Claims that computer programs are needed that operate on commonly available microcomputers and provide guidance in the generation and interrogation of a writer's ideas. Discusses Hugh Burns' program "TOPOI" as an example. Describes ways in which a computer and operator can interact. Criticizes those who view open-response software merely…

Describes the general elements of the National Plan for Microcomputers in Scottish schools, a plan devised by the Scottish Microelectronic Development Programme, which stresses national standardization of computer systems for compatibility of software and communication links and development of national software application packages. (MBR)

Modeled after the program "Mastermind," this program teaches students the art of protein sequencing. The program (written in Turbo Pascal for the IBM PC, requiring 128K, a graphics adapter, and an 8070 mathematics coprocessor) generates a polypeptide whose sequence and length can be user-defined (for practice) or computer-generated (for…

Describes performance criteria for users of computer assisted instruction (CAI) that are used to provide users with feedback about their performance relative to other users. This study evaluated 146 novice users on their percentages of correct responses, time required for completion, and number of times the CAI tutorial was performed. (LRW)

Appraises the computer as a prewriting aid. Evaluates both the quality and quantity of ideas produced by various invention techniques and programs, and compares results of similar studies by Hugh Burns and Helen Schwartz. (NKA)

Provides abstracts of five papers presented at the Fourth Annual Microcomputers in Education Conference. Papers considered microcomputers in science laboratories, Apple II Plus/e computer-assisted instruction in chemistry, computer solutions for space mechanics concerns, computer applications to problem solving and hypothesis testing, and…

Defines local area networks (LANs); describes basic components and configurations of LANs; and discusses LANs benefits (reduced costs, better management of computer resources, enhanced communications) and pitfalls (hidden costs, time delays, network maintenance, lack of standardization, network security breaches, lack of network compatible…

Recommends that potential educational software purchasers examine publications containing software reviews, become involved in workshops that develop evaluation criteria for technical issues and instructional considerations of educational software, and obtain samples of actual software free of charge for review. Suggested periodicals for software…

Guidelines to help music teachers evaluate computer software for classroom use are presented. An annotated listing of critical reviews of music education computer software is also included. (RM)

Discusses how computers can "converse" with students for teaching purposes, demonstrates how these interactions are becoming more complex, and explains how the computer's role is becoming more "human" in giving intelligent responses to students. (HOD)

Discusses functions of automated instrumentation systems, i.e., systems which combine electrical measuring instruments and a controlling computer to measure responses of a unit under test. The computer-assisted tutorial then described is programmed for use on such a system--a modern microwave spectrum analyzer--to introduce engineering students to…

Reviews two basic ways in which microcomputers are being used in school library media centers--administrative or management purposes (circulation control, budget planning, acquisitions processes, staff and student scheduling); and instructive purposes (library skills, drill and practice, problem solving, computer literacy). Three major types of…

Describes a program in which classroom reading teachers learned a simple analytical approach to creating computer programs for their own use. (CRH)

Describes computer assisted instruction programs for teaching logic during first year philosophy courses at the University of Hong Kong. These programs include JOHN, which introduces Venn-diagrams for evaluating syllogistic arguments; LUDWIG, which introduces techniques for evaluating arguments in propositional calculus; and TIARA, which provides…

The rationale behind computer use with the deaf, its terminology, history, and latest developments are discussed. CAI (computer assisted instruction) is explained, strengths and weaknesses revealed, and the recent literature evaluated. The largest obstacle to large scale successful use of CAI with the deaf is the present lack of suitable,…