Authoring systems are defined as tools used by an educator to translate intents and purposes from his head into a computer program. Alternate ways of preparing code are examined and charts of these coding formats are displayed. (Author/RAO)

A look at computer assisted instruction at Penn State University. (HB)

How Rhode Island Junior College, the members of the Department of Computer Resources and the Department of Innovative Learning Services have been working together over the last several years to develop instructional support services as aids to education. (Author)

Argues that microcomputers are inexpensive, reliable, and sufficiently powerful to meet important educational demands, and that with authoring/driver systems educators could make far greater use of what is known about cognitive processes, especially structural learning. (MER)

Acquaints the reader with the personal computer, emphasizing its use as an aid in the learning process; considers the types of hardware available and software related to educational uses; and offers advice to those just entering this area. (Author)

Examines the application of microcomputer statistics in social studies, and computer access and simulations in middle school environments. An interdisciplinary framework of curricula among social studies, science, and mathematics teachers with equal access to microcomputers and software programs is encouraged. (MER)

Describes the use of a microcomputer system (ECHO) which permits greater access to student thought processes. Initial piloting indicates that self-reports can be unobtrusively solicited from students during ongoing instruction. Research background, data collection approaches, and a description of the ECHO system are given. (MER)

Describes an in-house project run by students and local school staff studying the feasibility of microcomputers for school management, computer assisted instruction, computer literacy, computer programing, and community services. Hardware tested, rationale for system choice, and hardware problems, are also discussed. (RAO)

Reviews several principles of learning theory and the characteristics of a good learning situation. The evaluation checklist included provides a list of characteristics that could be expected in any learning program which uses a particular medium such as the computer. (MER)

Clarifies often misconstrued distinctions with regard to microcomputers, minicomputers, and maxicomputers. Criteria for educational use of microcomputers are examined, including its potential for language and peripheral expansion, and its communication capabilities. (MER)

Scenario refers to specific courses of action/events occurring within computer simulations and attempting to recreate lifelike situations. This article identifies critical features and their elements in designing effective scenarios in computer-based instructional simulations: (1) sequence; (2) operating procedures; (3) characteristics of…

Discusses advantages of a centralized school district plan for computer utilization at building, district, and state-federal level, and reviews categories of information required for computer applications--staff personnel, accounting, pupil records, classroom/instruction, and administrative support services--by outlining each category to indicate…

Presents a technical description of Radio Shack's TRS-80 microcomputer system. Storage and memory are discussed, as well as limitations of the system and a sample program for coding and scoring true-false questions is given. (RAO)