Describes a computer program to help young children learn about the alphabet and about the location of alphabet keys on computer keyboards. Includes a complete program listing. (Author/JN)

Computers at the Children's Museum (Washington, DC) are used for exhibits, classroom teaching, and development of educational software. Describes computer exhibits in the museum including the "Future Center," a room equipped with 20 Atari 800s used for instructional purposes. Also describes several computer programs used in the museum. (Author/JN)

The proliferation of personal computers in home/schools and use of computer chips in educational toys has led to a rethinking of ideas about education and fun, and ways the two can combine to provide youngsters with enjoyable and profitable learning experiences. Provides examples of commercially available computer-oriented educational toys/games.…

In an interview, Dr. Alfred Bork (Director of the Educational Technology Center at the University of California, Irvine) discusses computer-assisted learning and its unique benefits for today's students. Includes comments on "Tribble Families," a program which deals with attributes. (Author/JN)

Seven styles of software which may significantly improve mathematics and science learning are discussed. These include microworlds, educational games, microcomputer-based instrumentation, databases, tools, languages, and simulations. Opportunities and need for new software are also discussed, suggesting such items as a scientific text processing…

"Big Business" is a series of computer simulations designed to give players a chance to compete in the practical world of business and finance. The basic elements of the simulations and versions designed for home use, middle school students, and high school students are described. (Author/JN)

"Lemonade" is one in a series of simulations designed to permit exploration of elementary concepts in economics. The nature of the simulation, problem-solving skills fostered, and suggestions for use of the program in the classroom are discussed. (Author/JN)

Reviews the educational value, design quality, and ease of use of "WINDOW," an educational "magazine" on a disk for the Apple II/IIe microcomputer. Indicates that the articles, software reviews, and other informative material are greatly enhanced by sound, graphics, and the chance to try out reviewed programs. (JN)

Discusses the use of microcomputers and software as problem-solving tools, including comments on "TK! Solver," automatic problem-solving program (reviewed in detail on pp.84-86 in this same issue). Also discusses problem-solving approaches to bridge the disciplines, such as music/physics, junior high science/mathematics (genetics),…

Discusses use of computer programs in handling such library tasks as cataloging, inventory, and circulation. Reviews several programs and provides a listing of available library software. These include library catalog programs, circulation/overdues programs, and inventory control. (JN)

Reviews an educationally valuable and reasonably well-designed simulation of volcanic activity in an imaginary land. VOLCANOES creates an excellent context for learning information about volcanoes and for developing skills and practicing methods needed to study behavior of volcanoes. (Author/JN)

Microcomputer-based instrumentation packages enable computers to collect continuous analog data, convert data to digital form for processing, and display results on monitor. Discusses classroom advantages of these packages, describes one package for teaching harmonic motion, and provides a list of currently available packages (including vendor and…