Computers can be valuable tools of humanization if educators use them to relate the curriculum to the students' lives and to make schools more desirable places in which to learn. Despite the facts that much of the content of both the country's generally accepted national goals and students' interests and problems is affective in nature, most…

A prototype computer-based instructional management system is described which is designed to individualize instruction in an on-going school situation. The prototype consists of three basic components: a set of instruments and techniques for assessing student needs, a bank of curriculum packets related to assessed needs, and a computer-based…

Asserts that future distance education will be dominated by the virtual school. Measures the potential of telecommunications, computer assisted learning, audio/visual systems and computer conferencing against the definition of a virtual school. Concludes that conferencing is the only technology capable of serving as the basis for a virtual school.…

Describes a computer-training needs assessment conducted in a manufacturing company which was performed by students in an industrial education course at the University of Minnesota. Provides suggestions for educators in providing computer training to the private sector. (TW)

Examines criteria for software selection and the use of software packages (programs, routines, documentation) in school library management. General criteria, specific criteria for selecting library management programs (for tasks such as circulation, cataloging, recordkeeping), specific criteria for selecting educational programs, and reviewing…

The Association of Educational Data Systems (AEDS) conference included 102 presentations. Abstracts of seven of these presentations are provided. Topic areas considered include LOGO, teaching probability through a computer game, writing effective computer assisted instructional materials, computer literacy, research on instructional…

Discusses the realities of implementing a computer-assisted program in high school level science classes, offering some practical suggestions for making such a program successful. Also includes information on several software packages for interfacing microcomputers to sensing equipment. (JN)

Considers whether microcomputers are useful merely as tools to teach "the basics" or whether they will help define new basics, important skills that educators have been neglecting entirely. Provides descriptions of software (including "Baffles," which enables children to become practitioners of the scientific method) involving students in…

Presents a summary of responses to a brief survey of physiology chairpersons (N=117) on use of computer-based education (CBE) materials in physiology and an overview of discussions that occurred at a workshop focusing on this topic. Indicates that the popular use of materials is for simulations of physiological systems. (JN)

Educational computing refers to a new interdisciplinary area of study combining the fields of teacher education and computer science education. Courses and curricula appropriate for educational computing at the undergraduate and masters-degree levels are described, along with an exemplary program at Iona College in New York. (PP)

During the next decade schools will shift to a new model of instruction that combines teachers and machines. Described are the probable characteristics of the model, the coming changes in curriculum content and design, and the stages of evolution to the new model. (MLF)

Outlines different ways to use microcomputers in science laboratories: (1) as electronic blackboards (simulations, data presentation, number crunching); (2) as universal laboratory instruments (control technology, sound output, time measurement, digital-analog conversions); (3) for educational management; and (4) for computer assisted learning.…

Discusses factors related to the design of computer courseware/software, focusing on pupil/student notes, teacher's guides, and the computer program itself. Also discusses computer training courses for teachers at familiarization, specialist curriculum, teacher-author, and teacher-disseminator levels. Suggests local support for teachers when…

Lists 93 computer software programs favored by educators for use in school administration or computer-assisted instruction in the areas of mathematics, social studies, and English. The information was compiled from a questionnaire sent to 2,000 teachers and administrators. Ordering information and some comments on program use are included. (JJD)

Topics discussed include: (1) what is a simulation; (2) why simulate; (3) when to use simulations; (4) planning for instruction; (5) cautions and limitations; and (6) future developments. Suggests that computer simulation in science is both entertaining and motivating. (MP)