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.…

Discusses a computer simulation (Energy Search) in which students manage their own factories. Provides an example of typical classroom interaction and comments on the nature of good computer simulations (those that teach skills and create an environment encouraging students to work together toward a common goal). (Author/JN)

Program listing for a computer game on kinematics is provided. Documentation for the listing (in Microsoft BASIC) and rationale for using computer games in the classroom are also provided. (JN)

The computer simulation game "Curve-Fit" is described. Its overall objective is to fit curves to six different data sets by estimating the parameters of each curve. (MNS)

The difficulty many students have in solving complex problems stems not from a lack of mathematical skill but from an inability to visualize the problem. An appropriately-structured computer game may assist students in achieving this visualization and in solving problems better. A heuristic approach in programing one game is provided. (Author/JN)

A computer program was developed with the potential to: demonstrate the power and uses of computers to students of environmental interpretation; show the use of computers for modeling in the realm of environmental interpretation; and show the use of computers as learning tools for students of environmental interpretation. A computer simulation…

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…

The need for a strong package of computer software in a computer science-oriented program is discussed. Ways of accumulating software and selective reviews of available computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs are also presented. (MP)

Outlines a variety of laboratory procedures, demonstrations, and classroom materials including a technique for estimating speed of electromagnetic waves; a support for multipin components when soldering; use of dynometer to measure force; bending light; using a microcomputer to measure and produce voltage; force-distance curves; and two games. (DS)

A brief review of the history of computer-assisted instruction and discussion of the current and potential roles of microcomputers in education introduce this review of the capabilities of state-of-the-art microcomputers and currently available software for them, and some speculations about future trends and developments. A survey of current…