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…

Describes a project which involved designing a nine-week course utilizing computer assisted instruction (CAI) to teach seventh graders critical thinking skills. Results indicate measurable gains were made in the critical thinking skills of verbal analogy and inductive/deductive reasoning, although no consistent gains were made in logical reasoning…

Discusses issues involved with buying and using multimedia authoring programs. Six programs are compared: (1) MediaText, (2) HyperCard, (3) LinkWay Live!, (4) AmigaVision, (5) Director, and (6) Multimedia Desktop. Highlights include the use of multimedia in education, sequential versus hierarchical organization, price, system requirements, digital…

Argues that schools are putting all their money into hardware and software and neglecting needed staff development programs for technology use. Examines reasons for this neglect, problems with legislative pressures, the importance of planning, and models for effective training programs. (AEF)

Discusses types of software most useful in social studies classes--games, simulations, and word processing, database, spreadsheets, and graphing--and introduces applications software through descriptions of four learning activities from different parts of the social studies curriculum: introducing databases, writing historical journals, tracking…

Presents edited transcript of a conference that examined how computer technology can be effective in helping at-risk students. Highlights include defining at-risk students; examples of how technologies are being used as intervention tools; adult education programs; software; how the industry can help educators; and policy recommendations. (LRW)

Discusses how and why three schools are using computers to teach bilingual students and describes the CHIPS Project, West New York; Computer Education Language Learning Program, Irvine School District; and Applied Computer Technology in Education Project, Compton Unified School District. Six bilingual education computer-using demonstration…

Discussion of the use of multimedia for instruction in elementary and secondary school classrooms focuses on computer-controlled multimedia. Topics discussed include developmental software such as LinkWay and HyperCard; multimedia vendors; new configurations for term papers; the degree of learner control and activity; and impact on learning. (LRW)

Explains philosophy of the Higher Order Thinking Skills Project, which utilizes microcomputers in a learning laboratory to develop in upper elementary school students the thinking ability needed to construct sophisticated associations between ideas; describes curriculum used to teach these skills; and reviews software and hardware utilized and…

Presents results of national survey of state departments of education which was conducted to provide an assessment of the level of interest in educational computing in elementary and secondary schools, as well as to learn about educational technology projects. Highlights include computer literacy, teacher training, and hardware and software…

Describes the adoption of non-textbook-based materials for elementary science instruction in California. The necessary collaboration between educational technology, curriculum, and instructional professionals is discussed; integrated multimedia materials are described that include software, video, kits, and booklets; and the role of teachers and…

Presents results of the annual survey of state education departments, which is conducted to provide an assessment of interest in and commitment to educational computing in elementary and secondary schools. Highlights include state funding; requirements for computer courses; hardware and software policies; additional technology usage; and teacher…