By order of the Civil Service Commission of Belgium, Didascalia, the University of Antwerp developed an adaptive system for evaluating second-language proficiency. A computer model based on probability and information theory was developed; the first module of the ATLAS test currently assesses approximately 15,000 civil servants yearly. (one…

Describes a computer system being developed to support two-party negotiation to enhance students' learning in the area of dispute resolution. The concept of computer support as an important future direction in the area of conflict resolution and negotiation is discussed, and results of pilot testing of the prototype are reported. (Contains 17…

A computer program dealing with numerous aspects of soil degradation has a target audience of high school and university students (16-20 year olds), and is presented in a series of cards grouped together as stacks. Describes use of the software in Australia. (LZ)

The gradual development of Canadian interest in computer-assisted language learning is chronicled. The need for language specialists to continue designing and refining CALL software is noted, and an article on using the Internet and its language-related listservs is summarized. (Contains 21 references.) (LB)

Updated information for computer purchases appropriate for use in a childcare center classroom is offered. Includes a list of minimum hardware requirements for Windows-based computers as well as Macintosh, and low-budget alternative solutions. New software titles for preschool children and K-5 school-age children are reviewed. (AA)

A key obstacle to using educational technology is limited support for teachers trying to integrate unfamiliar techniques into instruction. Research-verified technologies include calculators, distance education, drill and practice (CAI) systems, laser videodiscs, microcomputer-based labs, presentation software, and telecommunications. Emerging and…

Describes the participation of a small Catholic school near Philadelphia in the AT&T Learning Circles Project, which involved networking with schools in several states. The integration of the telecommunications project with the language arts curriculum is discussed, including creative writing about local food and historic places to share with…

Provides practical information on multimedia and mass storage devices, productivity tools and authoring systems, and software/hardware compatibility for language training. Also provided is an extensive list of recommendations for creating effective software and another for selecting, developing, and adapting software. (GLR)

One college writing teacher engaged his class in the revision of a computer program to check grammar, focusing on improvement of the algorithms for identifying inappropriate uses of the passive voice. Process and problems of constructing new algorithms, effects on student writing, and other algorithm applications are discussed. (MSE)

Describes the use of interactive computing in a college reading/study skills course. Focuses on the use of Realtime Writer, an interactive communication system, and Word Perfect, a word processing program, to improve students' writing skills. Reviews major software and hardware components, uses of both programs, and advantages. (DMM)

Discusses the use of open software, i.e., software which is essentially empty of content and can be customized by users to fit their own context, and describes the development and evaluation of one such program--Bubble Dialog--by the Language Development and Hypermedia Research Group at the University of Ulster. Various applications of the…

Microcomputer installation in schools has increased annually since 1983, and microcomputers are now utilized throughout Japan's educational system, both in elementary and secondary classrooms and for educational research. Most of the computer software used in computer-assisted instruction is acquired externally, as opposed to developing the…

This article reviews technological advances in educational computer use and discusses applications for computers as tools, tutors, and tutees in mathematics education of gifted students. Computer-assisted instruction, artificial intelligence, multimedia, numeric processing, computer-aided design, LOGO, robotics, and hypercard software packages are…

InSight, a series of 10 HyperCard stacks, provides optometry students with first-hand experience with a number of visual phenomena and a variety of experimental data acquisition and analysis techniques. Each stack contains background information on the experiment topic, instructions, references to the literature, and questions to be answered.…

Describes computer simulation programs that take elementary and secondary students exploring. One has students act as Magellan commanding his ship to reinforce history, geography, decision-making, and resource management skills. Another has students use problem-solving skills to venture across oceans and find trading routes to the Orient. (SM)