Intended for policymakers, this brief addresses issues related to computer technology and its contributions to special education. Trends are noted and three types of applications are considered: computer assisted instruction, computer managed instruction, and computer support activities. Descriptions of several computer applications in local and…

Educators are asking about the appropriate role of computers in the classroom, whether computers have a legitimate place in a classroom for young children or will supplant more important activities, and whether children under the age of 8 should use microcomputers. These general questions must be examined in order to discover the real, underlying…

This report describes an in-depth analysis of the errors made by users of SOLO, a programming language written for Open University students studying cognitive psychology. The study was designed to (1) determine the effectiveness of SOLO's current error-handling routines by evaluating how often SOLO produced "sensible" messages or…

A learning module on the applications of microcomputers in instruction, which was developed for preservice and inservice teacher education at Queen's University at Kingston, was implemented within an existing introductory educational media course. An instructional development model (Dick and Carey, 1978) was used to identify instructional goals;…

The computer applications that hold most promise for writers form a large class of utility programs, including word processing and text editing. However, the computer can pose some problems for the student in the writing center. What proportion of writing center students arrive ready to work at the keyboard? Will learning to type present special…

This paper explores the role of computerized simulations as a decision-modeling intervention strategy, and views the strategy's different attribute biases based upon the varying primary missions of instruction versus application. The common goals associated with computer simulations as a training technique are discussed and compared with goals of…

Following a brief description of the microcomputing program at Drexel University, which requires all freshman to have access to a personal computer and offers Macintosh microcomputers and software at a low cost to entering freshman, this paper summarizes the written sources of information on the program. Four examples of how currently available…

This document offers a perspective on the use of computers in education to assist California educators with the design and implementation of educational activities that encourage the effective and creative use of computers and computer software throughout the school curriculum. It is organized in six strands, each identifying a basic core of…

One in a series of 10 promotional publications on videotex, this document describes both videotex and teletext and illustrates with actual examples how educators are using these new tools. Topics discussed include the educational roles permitted by the standardization of videotex and teletext; characteristics of the North American Presentation…

Designed to promote the use of microcomputers in reading instruction, this paper attempts to dispell apprehensions that the errors made when adapting television to the classroom may occur again with microcomputers. Examples of the failure of television to teach reading in the 1960s and 1970s are presented, and it is pointed out that television, a…

Describes a word processor exercise (using WordPerfect or similar software) for Spanish language students that was easy to design, convenient for students (who could perform the exercise on their own time), and effective in helping students review their lessons. (CB)

Offers basic advice on using a word processor to teach writing, from how to choose the appropriate software before selecting a computer and a printer, to the benefits of using a word processor instead of a typewriter. (NKA)

Discusses the need for and the problems with teaching keyboarding to elementary school students, and the types of software necessary for meaningful instruction. (JC)

Instructors at all levels can draw on a large number of geography software programs for use on microcomputers. This annotated listing describes some of these software programs. (RM)

Examines the nature of desktop publishing and how it can be used in the classroom for gifted/talented students. Characteristics and special needs of such students are identified, and it is argued that desktop publishing addresses those needs, particularly with regard to creativity. Twenty-six references are provided. (MES)