The presentation describes PILOT (Programmed Inquiry, Learning or Teaching), a special programing language easy for beginners to learn and available for several brands of microcomputers. PILOT is explained to contain substantially fewer commands than most other languages and to be written in an easy to understand manner. Edit commands and their…

The author reviews the history of the microcomputer and addresses its application needs in special education. Among needs cited are the ability to store and retrieve curriculum resource information and to develop diagnostic testing and automated test construction reporting devices. He also sees the need for software that is neither threatening nor…

This study investigated the effects of microcomputer usage on the educational experiences of a low vision high school student. Ethnographic research methodology was utilized to conduct the single-subject study. Participant observation provided data, with interviewing of key individuals in the student's school and home environments providing…

Designed to answer basic questions educators have about microcomputer hardware and software and their applications in teaching, this paper describes the revolution in computer technology that has resulted from the development of the microchip processor and provides information on the major computer components; i.e.; input, central processing unit,…

Microcomputer modules were developed to help Pennsylvania State University students and inservice teachers develop 10 generic competencies regarding working with handicapped students in the least restrictive environment. Competencies touch on understanding the legal bases for education in the least restrictive environment, making use of…

Use of microcomputers in a state residential facility for nonambulatory profoundly mentally retarded persons is discussed. The effects of such a severe handicap on the residents is examined, and potential contributions of a microcomputer in providing precise contingency control, recording response data, and delivering immediate reinforcement…

The overall goals of an advanced education course at William and Mary College using microcomputers to stimulate student creativity are to present the necessary background about creativity as it has been studied by psychologists and educators, to introduce students to instructional strategies which may develop creativity, and, finally, to increase…

A teacher of hearing impaired eight-year-olds describes the use of a microcomputer in fostering students' language and arithmetic skills. Sample programs focus on scrambled sentences, comprehension, sentences, spelling, money value, and story problems. (CL)

The paper examines the way preschool children with handicaps interact with and make their response to computer programs, suggesting that the most important factor ensuring successful computer use is finding the most appropriate method of computer access. Difficulties with software programs are noted, including problems with scanning. It is…

Issues and implications related to the use of microcomputers for providing practice activities are addressed, including which skills should be automatized, requirements for ensuring that a skill has attained automaticity, scheduling and amount of practice, and the type and use of data that should be collected on individual student practice…

This paper presents a perspective of the current state of technology-assisted instruction integrating computer language, artificial intelligence (AI), and a review of cognitive science applied to instruction. The following topics are briefly discussed: (1) the language of instructional technology, i.e., programming languages, including authoring…

Twelve hearing impaired children (aged 2-5 years) were trained to use a novel interactive microcomputer system with a special interface word keyboard which builds in perceptual salience, individualized vocabulary, animation, and color graphics in a two-person-plus computer communication system. Ss were taught to press keys with words and short…

The Hearing Handicapped Program in Jefferson County Public Schools, Colorado, uses microcomputer technology for instruction of hearing impaired students with or without additional handicaps. Applications include drill and practice, tutoring, simulation, problem solving, and communication. (CL)

After six weeks of reading instruction using a microcomputer, 10 deaf children (three to six years old) demonstrated significant improvement in word recognition and identification. Results suggested that instruction should take advantage of the young child's cognitive readiness regardless of his/her primary mode of communication. (CL)

MELBORP, a microcomputer software package designed to provide math drill and practice, allows hearing impaired students to practice on their own, compete against others, or compete against the computer. Teachers can specify objectives to be practiced and can identify student progress and scores. (CL)