The authors cite specific ways that the classroom computer can aid the teacher, by providing a wide variety of independent instruction for students and by cutting down the time required for recordkeeping, testing, and other administrative tasks. (Author/SJL)

Twenty-five outstanding new computer software programs for drill and practice, simulation, and tutoring are reviewed. Programs deal with classroom management and with the teaching of language arts, computer literacy, social studies, science and logic, and mathematics. (PP)

With the increasing presence of computers in the elementary school classroom, it becomes necessary that students know how to type. This article offers beginning typing lessons and games that teachers can use with their students. Particular typing and touch typing software available are also discussed. (JMK)

Six teachers who won microcomputers in a contest sponsored by "Instructor" report on their first year with the new machines. Computer programs and related class activities are discussed. (PP)

Spreadsheet software allows manipulation of information, helps children to find answers to questions, and encourages them to ask others. Once the teacher sets up the spreadsheet, the program does the work, showing children they can calculate anything, even when their arithmetic skills cannot. (MT)

With the right software and teaching strategies, computers can make learning geography fun for students. Several ready-made commercial programs are described. In addition, information is included on utility and application programs, and suggestions are given for using them in geography instruction. (IAH)

Describes computer simulation programs that take elementary and secondary students exploring. One has students act as Magellan commanding his ship to reinforce history, geography, decision-making, and resource management skills. Another has students use problem-solving skills to venture across oceans and find trading routes to the Orient. (SM)

Computers have become an extremely popular teaching tool, but many teachers are still uncomfortable with the resulting changes in education. Educators who have participated in shaping the course of the computers-in-the-schools movement answer some questions commonly asked by teachers. (DF)

Examines which skills students develop through social studies and how technology can help elementary students strengthen them. Important skills include understanding and using locational and directional terms and developing research, thinking, decision-making, interpersonal, and reading skills. Technology skill-builders include telecommunications…

Suggested computer programs for teaching about the 1992 election include a package of four social studies programs with an election year theme, a simulation in which students act as the incumbent president and solve various problems, and an interactive program with news clips, stills, and data from the 1988 elections. (SM)

Two articles discuss changes that are making technology useful to teachers. After examining computer uses in education, the articles describe new research and educational technology trends, and products and projects that got three teachers hooked on technology. (SM)

A review of the Writer Rabbit software program details its multiple classroom uses, focusing on language arts activities such as practicing identification and classification of sentence parts, practicing spelling, and inventing stories. (CB)

Process-centered and problem-solving software can help students develop the skills and strategies needed for independent thought. Different categories of process-centered software are described, with examples of appropriate innovative packages, as well as several classroom activities which illustrate one teacher's use of the computer to promote…

This article discusses the WRITE ON! software library which consists of almost 500 literature-based writing activities for grades K-12. These interactive writing guides on disk integrate word processing into literature-based instruction. (IAH)

The editors of "Classroom Computer News" prepared this compendium of news and tips for using computers in the classroom. Topics include computer literacy, the benefits of classroom computer use, programing individualized education programs (IEPs), selecting courseware, the basics of microprocessors and new products. (Editor/SJL)