Engineers seeking to develop intelligent computers have looked to studies of the human brain in hope of imitating its processes. A theory (known as cooperative action) that the brain processes information with electromagnetic waves may inspire engineers to develop entirely new types of computers. (JN)

Interactive videodisc makes possible a powerful educational experience in which computer-based educational systems can display video imagery, real-time action, and stereo sound. Interactivity, teaching with videodisc, electronic tutors, videodisc technologies, and costs are among the topics discussed. Use of videodisc for games and simulating…

Discusses the impact of microcomputers on college campuses. Software development, recent advances in microcomputer technology, arrangements for computing on campus (workstations or computers for individual students), costs, and student reactions are among the areas considered. (JN)

Discusses grammar programs, most of which are aimed at business or technical English. Although many search for common word/phrase errors and provide statistical summaries of word usage, others are being developed which will provide a thorough contextual analysis of business English. (JN)

The president of the Soviet Academy of Sciences, Anatoly Alexandrov, recently announced a computer education effort designed to achieve computer literacy among all high school graduates in the Soviet Union by the year 2000. Rationale for this trend as well as the industrial and political red tape involved are discussed. (JN)

Although labor unions and inadequate technology play minor roles, the principal barrier to factory automation is "fear of change." Related problems include long-term benefits, nontechnical executives, and uncertainty of factory cost accounting. Industry support for university programs is helping to educate engineers to design, implement, and…

Explores various issues, trends, and topics related to the impact and role of educational technology (particularly computers) on teaching and learning. Areas considered include how computers should be used, uses of such devices as interactive video for adult training, and the potential of artificial intelligence. (JN)

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are systems that can be programed to alter their procedures to suit varying production requirements. Use of and trends related to these systems in the United States and foreign countries are discussed. A detailed diagram of a hypothetical FMS is provided. (JN)

Discusses a major, national plan (Fifth Generation Computer Systems) for Japan to become number one in the computer industry by the latter half of the 1990s. Includes comments on the likely success of and problems associated with the plan supported by Japan's Ministery of International Trade and Industry. (JN)

Discusses the nature of expert systems, including various techniques they use to represent knowledge (such as production rules, semantic networks, frames, first-order logic, and others), system interactions, and such problem domains as science, medicine, computer configuration, trouble-shooting/repair, and oil/mineral exploration. Also discusses…

Reviews such computer assisted instructional techniques as simulations, tutorials, and educational games, suggesting that educational software and computer-literate teachers are needed before electronic education becomes pervasive. Additional areas addressed include programming languages, providing sample BASIC, LOGO, SMALLTALK, and SOPHIE…

Discussion of capabilities of interactive videodisc, which combines video images recorded on disc and random-access, highlights interactivity; teaching techniques with videodiscs (including masking, disassembly, movie maps, tactical maps, action code, and simulation); costs; and games. Illustrative material is provided. (High Technology, P. O. Box…

Describes the status of technology-aided training. Discusses some of the major benefits of training using these systems. Gives examples of businesses that have invested in these training methods. Predicts greater efficiency and time savings in the future. (CW)