Mandates related to computer education have made their presence felt nationwide. Provided are ideas about and suggestions for computer training in schools and teacher education to help determine the content behind these mandates. These include making computers tools in all curricula and continued teacher retraining without mandates. (JN)

Discusses the elements of programming style, considering capitalization, variables, constants, format, GOTO statements, user friendliness, and clarity. Although Pascal is used as the example, the information provided is applicable to any programming language. (JN)

Readers of Classroom Computer Learning were asked for a definition of computer literacy; a summary of their responses is provided. Three opinions offered are that computer literacy instruction should begin early, that it should be made compulsory, and instruction should also focus on use of tool programs and education software. (JN)

Indicates that easy-to-use word processing programs may lack important features that students need as they progress beyond the introductory level, showing how several powerful commands are used for multiple-class projects, class journals, and other classroom activities. Also compares (in chart format) six popular word processing programs. (JN)

Once touted as the wonder programming language of the classroom, Logo is now a hotbed of controversy. Various issues related to the controversy are examined in an interview with Seymuor Papert, coauthor of the language. (JN)

Presents computer-oriented activities which (although requiring a certain level of computer expertise) can be easily adapted for students in any grade. They include creating Pascal limericks, a day of the week calculation worksheet, two LOGO activities (including one used to introduce the building block approach to LOGO programming). (JN)

Giving students their own disks to use as they please can inspire them to develop new programming skills and original approaches to using the computer. Offers suggestions on preparing disks for individual student use and making such disks a personal item. (JN)

Describes the strengths and weaknesses of four programing languages (Logo, PILOT, BASIC, Pascal) in terms of the tasks to be performed (task environment), capabilities of the language (programing environment), and skills user wants to develop (user environment). (JN)

Presents computer-oriented activities which (although requiring a certain level of computer expertise) can be easily adapted for students in any grade. They include making greeting cards, rotating figures (while creating interesting designs and learning key geometric concepts), and examining LOGO procedures that will build a database. (JN)

Presented are profiles of educators who made the transition from classroom teacher to computer specialist and then moved on to further opportunities in the field. They include Helen Joseph (computer specialist with EQUALS), Sam Wantman (software designer), Paula Filliman (Chair, Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics), and Jane Manzelli…

Eight computer-oriented teaching activities are presented. Although all require some computer expertise, they can be easily adapted for students in any grade. Included are various programs using LOGO (drawing insects, fruits, and stars), a LOGO speller, a computer club activities, and others. (JN)

Presents seven computer-oriented activities. Although some of the activities assume a certain level of computer expertise, all of them can be easily adapted for students in any grade. Activity topics include electronic geoboard, codes/coding, probing problems, looping, metrics, Logo databases, and writing Cinquain poetry. Program listings are…

Lists eight spelling checkers for word processing (including program name, word processor and computer compatibility, current cost, and source). Also reviews research findings related to the teaching of spelling and offers reasons why spelling checkers may help in teaching children how to spell well. (JN)

Judah Schwartz, co-director of the newly National Institute of Education-funded Educational Technology Center (which will investigate ways various technologies can have positive effects on K-12 mathematics, science, and computer science), offers his views on various topics and issues related to computer science education. (JN)

Presented are six activities suitable for middle grades. They include programs for voting, creating Logo patterns, and for selecting a writing topic. Other activities focus on use of the colon and FOR/NEXT loop in BASIC and evaluating programs. (JN)