Discusses the history and development of teaching machines, invented to restore the important features of personalized instruction as public school class size increased. Examines teaching and learning problems over the past 50 years, including motivation, attention, appreciation, discovery, and creativity in relation to programmed instruction.…

Under normal instructional circumstances, some youngsters learn programming in BASIC or LOGO better than others. Clinical investigations of novice programmers suggest that this happens in part because different students bring different patterns of learning to the programming context. Many students disengage from the task whenever trouble occurs,…

The paper describes principles and techniques for using microcomputers to enhance the motor development of learning disabled students. Among the guiding principles that the author suggests be kept foremost as educational uses of microcomputers are explored are (1) the fact that microcomputers do not think and cannot replace teachers and (2) that…

This article describes the results of a three-month experiment in the use of computer-based semantic networks for curriculum development. A team of doctoral and master's degree students developed a 1200-item computer database representing a tentative "domain of competency" for a proposed MA degree in Workforce Education and Lifelong…

The instructional media created by microcomputers interconnected by modems to form long-distance networks present some powerful new opportunities for education. While other uses of computers in education have been built on conventional instructional models of classroom interaction, instructional electronic networks facilitate a wider use of…

Describes a series of programs written in Logo that have been used successfully to support young children's programing efforts. These programs remove the mechanical obstacles of typing, spelling, and estimating distances; remove the demands of abstract planning and ordering instruction; and provide a set of programing procedures. (MBR)

Intended to provide a framework and impetus for future investigations of video games, this paper summarizes activities investigating the instructional use of such games, observations by the authors, and a proposed classification scheme and a paradigm to assist in the preliminary selection of instructional video games. Nine references are listed.…

Evaluation of attitudes of 20 learning handicapped and 20 nonhandicapped boys (grades 4, 5,and 6) toward microcomputers and working alone or in a dyad found positive attitudes toward working on the computer, and preference of handicapped subjects at pretest for working alone but preference at posttest for working with a partner. (Author/DB)

Miniaturized computer technology can raise both language and education beyond the current capacity to understand. Children's learning is more complex, powerful, and subtle than it is usually given credit for, and language is more elaborate and intricate than is generally realized. Computers must be used carefully, but they offer many…

Two studies compared strengths and deficiencies in the problem solving abilities of about 80 learning disabled and 110 nondisabled fifth and sixth graders using a microcomputer as an assessment tool. No significant differences in performance on problem solving tasks were found. The microcomputer is postulated as possibly responsible for this…

Teachers and supervisors of foreign language programs from 29 high schools in six states provide reviews of foreign language microcomputer courseware. Evaluations of the 25 programs for French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish are based on: (1) quality of content; (2) relevance to subject area; (3) suitability to computer medium; (4)…

This article describes some of the factors that will facilitate or retard the use of microcomputers, some of the theoretical problems that will have to be faced, and some of the possible applications of the microcomputer in adult education. (CT)

Examines the use of personal computers (PCs) in the introductory sociology course. Discusses the functional strengths and weaknesses of PCs. Describes the use of PCs in preparing and presenting visual material, teaching basic concepts and strategies, illustrating analytical storylines, and engaging students in problem solving. Suggests additional…

Explains hyper-systems and discusses their role in active learning, presents results from an expert evaluation of current hyper-systems that use HyperCard, and suggests implications for designers of educational hypermedia. System criteria discussed include purpose, domain or content, structure, navigation methods, control mechanisms, and style of…

Originally marketed as a personal organizer for mobile business executives and ardent technophiles, the handheld computer is beginning to catch educators' notice. A handful of school districts are piloting large-scale use of these portable devices, ranging in price from $149 to $450. (MLH)