This is the third in a series of reports which the PLATO Services Organization is publishing to keep users up to date on curricular developments on the PLATO system. Materials are listed here under 71 general subject matter areas. The report presents first a list of all subject areas and instructional levels in which PLATO lesson development is in…

A lengthy and detailed description is given of a computer-based curriculum for initial reading, with emphasis on reading as decoding. The initial curriculum, prepared for a school in Cupertino, California, was closely linked to the three basal reading texts then being used in the district's primary classrooms and was programed as three separate…

In this time of high cost, it is important not to focus on tutorial computer-assisted instruction (CAI) as the only way to use a computer effectively in instruction. Teacher controlled CAI--classroom use of CAI, augmented by a television display--provides one alternative. Non-tutorial classroom demonstrations can be arranged in business education,…

A computer-managed instructional (CMI) system is being developed for use in investigating a CMI environment for Air Force technical training using the PDP 11/20 minicomputer. Software and hardware interfaces are now available for 24k core memory with an additional 128k random access disc storage. Hardware interfaces are complete for the student…

An experimental computer-assisted instructional (CAI) system is described. The first segment of the report discusses some basic considerations in the design of the system in which as many features as possible of a large-scale CAI system were implemented on a minicomputer. Aspects of the system which are elaborated upon include the PDP-11 computer…

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…

An outline of microcomputer applications for administrative computing in education is followed by discussions of aspects of office automation, database management systems, management information systems, administrative computer systems, and software. Several potential problems relating to administrative computing in education are identified.…

A six-lesson unit on computing the palindromic sum of any given two-digit number is outlined. To write a brief, efficient computer program, students need to use several computer functions not typically applied in beginning programs. (MNS)

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…

Describes an introductory educational statistics course taught at the University of Maine using an interactive computer system for graduate students having no skills in statistics or computers. Details given include course schedule, instructions for using terminals, statistical packages and files, and a sample file and deck setup for SPSS. (EAO)

Reports on an informal round-table discussion with educators and computer science experts about computer literacy and the role of computers in education, which was conducted at the National Educational Computing Conference. (Author/JJD)

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)

Explores several options and advantages of using microcomputers in science teaching. Describes programs for calculating pH, Maxwell-Boltzman distribution of velocities in a gas, atomic orbitals, and lattice energies. Also suggests use of microcomputers in the areas of simulations, scoring tests, and controlling stock. (DS)

Provides historical background for computer usage in education. Describes several aspects of technology emerging today which will have impact on education including: the emergence of the personal computer; communication technologies; and software engineering. Also describes several simulation packages for use in the science classroom. (DS)