This paper discusses some of the ways one can study graphics on the Apple II microcomputer. Much attention is given to specialized use of software packages used in dumping graphics, and the saving or storing of binary files of graphic images. Knowledge of BASIC at more than a cursory level is required, but a step-by-step procedural outline is…

This paper discusses five points related to developmental research on children learning to do Logo programming: (1) systematic developmental research documenting what children are learning as they learn to program is necessary; (2) Logo is cognitively complex beyond its early steps and difficult to learn without instructional guidance; (3) the…

This paper presents the results of a project in robotics education that included: (1) designing a mobile robot--the Personal Instructional Robot-1 (PIR-1); (2) providing a guide to the purchase and assembly of necessary parts; (3) providing a way to interface the robot with common classroom microcomputers; and (4) providing a language by which the…

Investigations conducted by Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) indicate that introductory computer courses for business students should emphasize the elimination of "computer phobia" through the provision of hands-on experience. In a survey of over 160 area businesses, SFCC found that 53% of the respondents ranked hands-on experience as the…

A sound approach to microcomputer instruction takes into account the special characteristics of microcomputers and uses them creatively to enhance the basic goals of education and to prepare students for a technological society. The most significant new tool man has designed in centuries, the microcomputer features one-person operation, low cost,…

An analysis of computer literacy curricula around the middle of the 1980s shows a remarkable overall shift away from teaching computing to teaching applications, information handling, and problem-solving. Computer use is no longer viewed as a goal in itself, but is introduced as a powerful means of fulfilling information needs and of facilitating…

Seven graduate students in a seminar on classroom computing received instruction in LOGO programming. Programming protocols were collected periodically and examined for errors and misconceptions; in-depth interviews were conducted in order to understand specific misconceptions better. As novice students transit from instruction to experience in…

In response to increasing demands for computer literacy, the University of Nevada/Reno College of Education, in cooperation with the Burroughs Corporation, developed a training program to acquaint future and inservice teachers with computer use and the potentials of computer education. In this model, groups of learners are stratified by levels of…

The Macintosh microcomputer was selected by Drexel University as part of a program that requires all freshman to have access to a personal computer. Because of a lack of good courseware for the chosen microcomputer, especially in electrical engineering, Drexel has provided faculty release time, several development systems, computer assisted…

Following a definition of multimedia, a description of the advantages of multimedia software, and a list of necessary multimedia hardware, this paper describes in detail the phasing in of new technology into the curriculum at Lake-Sumter Community College (Florida). Implementation of a one-credit course entitled Introduction to Multimedia Computer…

Reviews recent advances in microtechnology and describes the impact they will have on computer aided instruction and learning. It is suggested that distributed systems based on network technology will become widespread, and computer assisted guidance systems will be developed to assist new unskilled users. Eight references are given. (CHC)

Describes a course to make technical managers more aware of computer technology and how data loggers, programmable controllers, and larger computer systems interact in a hierarchical configuration of manufacturing process control. (SK)

This paper presents the results of a study on the effects of using 3 simulators with 14 computer science majors enrolled in an undergraduate computer architecture course. Three ability groups (high, medium, and low) were formed based on the students' quality point averages for prior computer science courses. Analyses of data from a pretest, a…

The use of different types of media for distance education, and the examination and evaluation of a computer-based distance training program in Thailand are the focus of this paper. After a discussion of the characteristics and types of media-based distance education--including print-based, audio-based, video-based, and computer-based…

The experience of Western Michigan University in the design and implementation of a combined information/decision support center is described. The center's design was in response to the outcomes of a long-range planning process, which helped identify unmet user needs. Three types of support were found to be required: education and consulting,…