Discusses the importance of accurate graphic presentation and describes graphs available on "LabQuest" computer software. Highlights include graphing conventions; prerequisites for computer graphing; bar graphs; pie graphs; stacked bar graphs; line graphs; x/y graphs; scatter graphs; box plots; stem and leaf graphs; best fit graphs; and…

Reviews the historical evolution of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and discusses recent advances in intelligent systems. Intelligent tutoring systems are described from the system designer's and learner's perspectives, and possible future applications are considered. A list of existing intelligent CAI systems is provided. (14 references) (CLB)

Explains how the different levels of instructional videodisc programs serve different teaching situations. Characteristics of the software and the hardware system required for its use are described; the role of the teacher is discussed; and levels of interactivity between the student and the computer are described. (LRW)

Suggests computer assisted instruction software that doesn't provide all necessary components of a lesson can be useful if the teacher identifies instructional functions (Gagne's Events of Instruction) provided by the program and supplies those that are missing. This framework is applied to analysis of a specific computer program. (MBR)

Describes a study that examined the effects of various computer reinforcement responses, including graphics and/or sound, on students' attentiveness to the program. Implications for educational software design are discussed. (CLB)

Discusses benefits of keyboarding instruction for elementary school students, emphasizing the integration of keyboarding with language arts instruction. Traditional typing and computer-assisted instruction are discussed, six software packages for adapting keyboarding instruction to the classroom are reviewed, and suggestions for software selection…

Discussion of the development of educational software for reading instruction focuses on seven misconceptions that reflect a misunderstanding of the reading process and a misapplication of the principles of instructional design to the teaching of reading. Highlights include electronic text versus printed text; sound-symbol correspondence;…

Describes the Knowledge Gateway Project (KGP), a program that emphasizes intensive use of computer technology to help at-risk high school students. Teacher training in the use of Macintosh computers and appropriate software is discussed, self-paced lessons are described, and changes in student behavior are reviewed. (LRW)

Discussion of the use of interactive video to address issues of culture and gender in multicultural art classrooms focuses on an adaptation of "The Vincent Van Gogh Laserguide" at California State University-Los Angeles to teach students how to talk about and analyze works of art. (LRW)

This third in a series of articles on the use of technology with at-risk students focuses on using technology for increased parental interaction. Highlights include the effects of parental involvement on student achievement and self-esteem; and the use of telephones, videos, software, classroom computers, and integrated learning systems. (Contains…

Describes a project designed to help high school language students learn about French-speaking countries that uses HyperCard and telecommunications capabilities and can be adapted to other related curriculum areas. Highlights include cooperative group work using the Internet and creating HyperCard stacks. (three references.) (LRW)

Respondents to a survey of educational software producers to determine extent to which computer assisted instruction courseware is fieldtested, and what this process involves, indicate that 52% fieldtested all their software. The relevance of these results to school media specialists and their role in selecting and evaluating software is…

This discussion of advances in computers and information technologies focuses on the development and design of new educational software called cognition enhancers, which include empowering environments, hypermedia, and microworlds. The implications of this new technology for students and teachers and its impact on society is reviewed. (LRW)

Describes the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Program, which replaces drill and practice with thinking skills activities for grades three through six. The HOTS curriculum, which is built around commercially available software, is reviewed; special teaching techniques that emphasize teacher-student dialog are presented; and benefits for at-risk…

Teachers who have completed workshops designed to develop their teaching skills using one computer for the delivery of whole-class instruction are implementing new teaching strategies into their existing curricula. Software designed specifically for--or that can be adapted to--one-computer classrooms are used to involve groups in collaborative…