Discusses applications of microcomputers to: (1) presentation of the content of humanities courses, especially computer assisted instruction and simulation programs; and (2) science, technology and society courses to reinforce points about limitations and appropriate uses of computers. Examples of computer programs used to facilitate these…

Describes the computer literacy requirement of the Professional Teacher Preparation Program at Arizona State University. Highlights include microcomputer-based software used; word processing; database skills; spreadsheet tasks; teacher utilities for producing graphic materials, generating tests and practice exercises, and keeping records; and…

Discusses the use of computer-illustrated texts to teach statistics at the college level. Microcomputer-based software that can be used in the areas of calculation, graphics, simulation, animation, and text presentation is described; and use of the software for lectures, laboratory use, and tutorials is discussed. (three references) (LRW)

Describes the use of computer graphics simulations to enhance student understanding of sampling distributions that arise in introductory statistics. Highlights include the distribution of sample proportions, the distribution of the difference of sample means, the distribution of the difference of sample proportions, and the distribution of sample…

Provides examples of the use of computer simulation to help beginners develop a grasp for difficult statistical concepts. The implementation of this teaching methodology is discussed and analysis of simulation output through use of standard statistical software packages is illustrated. (Author/MBR)

Addresses the issue of assuring quality software for use in computer-aided instruction and presents a structure by which developers can create quality courseware. Differences between courseware and computer-aided instruction software are discussed, methods for testing software are described, and human factors issues as well as instructional design…

Presents a case study of North Dakota State University and its move from a mainframe-oriented campus to one with an integrated mainframe-microcomputer system. Topics discussed include developing a set of standards for microcomputers, developing computer center support, and developing workshops and other programs for encouraging faculty use of…

Describes two Computer Illustrated Texts (CITs) used to teach numerical methods. The integration of textbooks and microcomputers is discussed, three worksheets are included that contain exercises using the CITs, and results of a study of the effectiveness of using the CITs in a university course are presented. (three references) (LRW)

Examines data concerning computer literacy of incoming freshmen at Bentley College and discusses changes that are emerging in their computer backgrounds. High school computing resources are discussed; programing languages taught are examined; student experiences with computers and programing, drill and practice, games, and software are described;…

Discusses the use of a computer-illustrated text (CIT) with integrated software to teach electric circuit theory to college students. Examples of software use are given, including simple animation, graphical displays, and problem-solving programs. Issues affecting electric circuit theory instruction are also addressed, including mathematical…

Discusses factors to be considered when planning and implementing a local area network (LAN) for personal computers within a school or an organization. Topics addressed include reasons for networking, characteristics of LANs, organizing a LAN, workstations, disk servers, and file servers. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Describes program operation, applications, and teacher and student opinions of DELPHI, a computer program used in a wide variety of subjects which allows students and instructors to enter questions anonymously for others to answer. These question-answer pairs are then presented to other students or the instructor for comment or evaluation. (MBR)

Describes a series of computer programs that use simulation and gaming techniques to present the basic principles of the central dogma of molecular genetics, mutation, and the genetic code. A history of discoveries in molecular biology is presented and the evolution of these computer assisted instructional programs is described. (MBR)

Discussion of software security in university computer laboratories focuses on the causes of computer viruses. Possible ways to detect an infected disk are described; strategies for professors, students, and computer personnel to eradicate the spread of a computer virus are proposed; and two resources for further information are given. (LRW)

Analyzes the decision to network a collection of microcomputers into a local area network (LAN) based on cost factors. A mathematical model of the decision-making process is proposed that identifies an indifference point where the choice between a network and a stand-alone environment is equally attractive. (10 references) (LRW)