Examines the educational potential of three categories of computer networks--(1) resource sharing networks for sharing expensive peripherals; (2) communication networks for transferring messages between microcomputers; and (3) interactive networks for student collaboration on multiuser tasks. Advantages and disadvantages of networking and the…

Discusses the business of training employees to use microcomputers and describes the cost and several approaches to such training in corporations. These approaches include use of preprogramed tutorials provided by vendors, a minicourse including computer basics and hands-on experience for executives, and computer-assisted instruction for training…

Reviews the growth of computers in schools throughout North America, the changing attitude towards acceptance of the necessity and desirability for computer literacy and computer science education, and some social implications. Discussion of many practical benefits include pupil control, adaptability to special education, increased motivation, and…

Reports on an informal round-table discussion with educators and computer science experts about computer literacy and the role of computers in education, which was conducted at the National Educational Computing Conference. (Author/JJD)

Three computer software packages from Krell, Borg-Warner, and Edu-ware are reviewed in terms of their improving users' vocabulary, verbal analogy, and mathematical skills in preparation for the SATs. Students benefitting most are those who know the subject but do poorly on tests. (MBR)

This comprehensive guide to Logo as a programing language discusses its potential for advanced as well as introductory programing, lists and explains several computer programs, and provides evaluative reviews of eight Logo systems, including information on their developers, distributors, price, format, appropriate microcomputer, documentation,…

Describes LOGO, an educational computing language designed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for use by young children in developing problem-solving skills. The structure of LOGO, the drawing operations possible using the LOGO "Turtle," LOGO as a learning environment, and the educational philosophy underlying LOGO are…

Presents overview of recently developed computer software which is based on an understanding of how learning happens informally in the home and designed to be fun. Programs developed by The Learning Company, Children's Television Workshop, Spinnaker Software, and Capital Children's Museum are highlighted. Producers and distributors of software are…

Energy Search, Geography Search, Geology Search, Archeology Search, and Community Search are microcomputer software games, usable in grades five to nine, which provide educational simulations, numbers and situational choices, and calculation of implications of decisions. The series is a pathfinder usable by entire class and requiring only one…

Outlines the development of Plato, a unified computer system linking terminals to a central educational network; critically reviews Plato's new Homelink system which provides access to 273 games and lessons; and discusses its present capabilities and possible future improvements to make Homelink attractive to home users interested in educational…

A review of "Elementary, My Dear Apple," a commercial software package for the Apple II microcomputer. The package contains four computer programs which present elementary-level spelling, math, and economics learning activities in game-like formats. (SJL)

Describes software packages for teaching writing, including Compupoem, an instructional package producing haiku-like poems; Poetry Writing, which suggests story lines and poem structures; Story Maker, which assists young writers in planning stories; Cognitive Organizers, which focuses on the classification process; and the author's program for…

Looks at four current issues in the computers-in-education debate: Is the computer a tool or a new subject? Is computer-assisted instruction an appropriate use of computers? Should computer literacy be taught and, if so, what should be taught and by whom? What equipment should be purchased? (SJL)