Discusses the differences between the uses of microcomputers and minicomputers as educational tools. Outlines how a Maryland school district overcame the drawbacks it found in using microcomputers by developing a more comprehensive computer-assisted instruction program using minicomputers. (MD)

Presents biology, chemistry, physics, and health activities, experiments, demonstrations, and computer programs. Includes mechanism of stomatal opening, using aquatic plants to help demonstrate chemical buffering, microbial activity/contamination in milk samples, computer computation of fitness scores, reservoir project, complexes of transition…

Describes a microcomputer-based, multichannel digital data acquisition system for acoustic signals. Hardware and software considerations are included. (JN)

Planning for the Modesto City School's introductory computer education program involved six questions: (1) What should students learn? (2) How should they learn it? (3) How long should/does it take? (4) How well are students learning it? (5) Can we do it better? and (6) Can we do it in less time? (LMO)

The Irvine Unified School District developed a Master Plan and Guide for Computer Utilization, outlining major goals in microcomputer and mainframe computer use. Educational objectives were identified, and a three-year staff development plan was implemented. (LMO)

This examination of ways to use general-purpose commercial software to assist in the management of library media centers focuses on database management programs, word processing, authoring systems, and calculator (spreadsheet) programs. System requirements and purchasing information for representative programs (address, price) are provided. Six…

Outlines research conducted at Brigham Young University to identify effective, efficient computer-based drill and practice instructional strategies for teaching paired associate or multiple discrimination tasks. A sophisticated computer-based drill and practice is contrasted with a simple flashcard strategy. Research supporting the sophisticated…

Presents background information and the listing for a LOGO computer program which investigates an ancient mathematical riddle (related to the square root of seventeen). The simulation, written for Apple II microcomputers, can be easily adapted to other microcomputers. (JN)

Examines various types of software useful in teaching about nuclear energy. Includes a list of 11 software resources (including program name, source and cost, system requirements, and brief comments about the program). (JN)

Briefly discusses several applications for databases in elementary and secondary English classrooms, including research projects, book reviews, electronic mail, and poetry, and presents evaluation criteria for teachers trying to decide which database is best for their classrooms. (MBR)

Discusses the need of developing countries to set up local databases and exchange information; outlines Unesco General Information Programme's role in this context; describes a specific Unesco program to help member states acquire and use microcomputer software; reviews criteria for software selection; and describes the program's implementation…

Presents arguments supporting microcomputers as unprecedented tools for controlled vocabulary development and generation of references for small-scale indexing, illustrating the arguments through discussion of the experience of developing a controlled vocabulary for environmental studies. Some detailed aspects of system and program design are…

Describes technique involved in designing a clinical simulation problem for the allied health field of respiratory therapy; discusses the structure, content, and scoring categories of the simulation; and provides a sample program which illustrates a programming technique in BASIC, including a program listing and a sample flowchart. (MBR)

A program is presented, designed for the Apple II, which enables users to compute heat loss of a building and determine the total heating cost, regardless of the type of fuel. Variables to be considered are explained and a step-by-step explanation of the program is included. (CT)

Intended to enable educators to make intelligent decisions when purchasing hardware and software, this article presents basic information on computer hardware, effective software, and necessary peripherals needed to achieve educational objectives instructors have set. (MBR)