Practical issues that should be considered in placing a classroom computer for use with elementary students include where to locate computer equipment in relation to electrical sockets, windows, and chalkboards; the program sound; who will be able to see the screen; and classroom traffic patterns. Decisions must be made regarding the size of…

This in-depth review of the literature synthesizes articles and abstracts identified as education-oriented microcomputer research studies published since 1979. A brief, historic overview of educational computing is followed by a review of the Becker (1983) survey, which concerned the distribution of microcomputers in education in the United…

This critical review and evaluation of the literature covers the field of computer assisted instruction (CAI) and reading from its inception to the present day. Seventeen research studies are discussed as well as four surveys of previous research in this field. Major issues addressed include the effectiveness of CAI and computer managed…

This study investigated the impact of integrated learning systems, problem solving software, and simulation software on elementary students' reading performance. Results indicate students entering fourth through sixth grade profited more from instruction supplemented by problem-solving and simulation software than from skills instruction. Results…

Designed to improve student achievement in reading, language arts, and mathematics, the computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program in the Newark, New Jersey, schools comprises a regular component for remedial and average-achieving students, an enrichment component for higher achieving students, and a bilingual component for students having…

The objective of this study was to determine if the Accelerated Reader Program significantly improved reading skills of middle-school students. This computerized enrichment program combines over 750 classics with computers. Subjects for the study were college-prep freshmen from two junior high schools within the Gaston County (North Carolina)…

The setting for this study was a basic education component of a summer youth program designed to increase chances of high risk adolescents, mostly minorities, whose ages ranged from 14-18, to experience more positive academic and employment outcomes. The instructional program used in both experimental and control classrooms emphasized mastery…

Dolphin is a computer-assisted instruction system used to teach and reinforce skills in reading, language arts, and mathematics. An evaluation of this system was conducted to provide information to TSC Division of Houghton Mifflin regarding its effectiveness and possible modifications to the system. The general design of the evaluation was to…

This study, which assessed the effectiveness of microcomputer-assisted instruction in assisting low achieving fourth to sixth graders to attain mathematics and reading mastery, found performance of only one experimental group statistically superior to that of the control groups, but no significant differences in attitudes toward school or sense of…

Description of the "Writing to Read" (WTR) program highlights an evaluation of the WTR experience with first graders at two British Columbia schools. Treatments for experimental and control groups are described and measures used for the comparisons are explained, including reading readiness, reading achievement, and writing achievement.…

This project was conducted in order to determine the practicality of using specialized videodisc instruction to help preservice elementary school teachers learn the Language Experience Approach (LEA) to teaching reading more effectively. Texas Tech University students enrolled in an interactive video course planned and produced the interactive…

Describes a study that examined the impact of computer-assisted instruction developed in the United States on the reading and math performance of students in Grenada. Results were compared with students receiving conventional instruction for high and low ability students and for gender differences. (Contains seven references.) (LRW)

Describes longitudinal studies conducted at the Drexel Early Childhood Center (Pennsylvania) that used Self-Controlled Interactive Learning Systems to teach reading skills. Standardized test scores for at-risk students are compared with other students; experimental and control groups using standard instruction are compared; and studies of…