Provides an overview of recent research on computers in the classroom, highlighting reports from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and from the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA). Research methodology used in studying computer-assisted instruction is discussed, and drill and practice skills versus higher order thinking…

This overview of the computer industry vendors that supply microcomputer hardware to educators for use in kindergarten through high school focuses on Apple, Tandy, Commodore, and IBM. The use of MS-DOS versus the operating system used in Apple computers is discussed, and pricing and service issues are raised. (LRW)

Computer assisted instruction is most effective when integrated with regular science and foreign language instruction and used with high or low achieving students as a supplemental activity. It increases student achievement and positively alters student attitudes. It can be a powerful, effective tool helping students gain control of their…

Discusses benefits and pitfalls of networking or disk-sharing in computer labs where microcomputers are connected to a central disk drive which runs one program for all microcomputers at one time. Copyright and software compatibility from educators' and publishers' perspectives, costs, time factors, and educational objectives are included in the…

Explains interactive videodisc technology and describes programs that are available for elementary and secondary school curriculums. Hardware configuration requirements are discussed, listings of videodisc resource guides and videodisc companies are provided, and a guide to the 50 most popular videodiscs is presented by subject area, including…

Discusses present and future developments in the educational software industry for elementary and secondary schools. Topics discussed include problems with making software work on a variety of hardware; planning future development; the widespread use of Apple computers; MS-DOS machines; computer networks; and multimedia. (LRW)

Little or no improvement in achievement with CAI for military training has been reported. However, the benefit of CAI for military training is student time savings for equal, but not increased, levels of effectiveness. (MBR)

Examines origins of the LOGO computer programing language, describes its capabilities, and compares available LOGO systems for use on various microcomputers noting producer/distributor, price, hardware, user group, backup, debugging aids, and comments. A resource list of books, articles, newsletters, and research reports is included. (EJS)

Describes software programs for use by math teachers in elementary and secondary schools that can be used to help develop critical and analytical math skills. Highlights include programs that link mathematics with daily living skills, programs that stress visual representation, and a software "sampler" that includes educational…

Describes results of a study conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to determine the computer competence of elementary and secondary students. Questions in the areas of knowledge of computer technology, computer applications, and computer programing are discussed, gender and ethnic differences are examined, and…

Briefly describes a study of five New York City high schools conducted to determine the impact of microcomputers in schools. Interviews and surveys were used to address issues including student and teacher attitudes toward computers, teaching methods, teacher-student interactions, and differences between computer instruction and regular classes.…

Discusses computer assisted instruction (CAI) from perspective of artificial intelligence researchers and describes program features of intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI) that researchers feel will improve on deficiencies of CAI. Program descriptions and sample interactions from several tutorial and expert system ICAI programs are…

Examines the potentials of technology to help the cooperative learning process. The need for interaction between cooperative learning practitioners and technology users is discussed; and research on the integration of technology into cooperative learning is reviewed, including group dynamics, making each student accountable, and attributional…

Based on questionnaires sent to educational software companies in January 1988, this directory lists 78 companies. Information given includes company address, curriculum subject areas for which the company publishes software, types of machines and operating systems on which the software operates, and grade level for which it is targeted. (LRW)

Reviews research conducted to determine if learning to program in Logo has a positive effect on other aspects of thinking, based on Seymour Papert's findings on Logo. The appropriateness of research on Logo and programming is discussed, and research studies involving elementary and secondary school children are briefly described. (LRW)