The nonprofit organization One Laptop per Child (OLPC) has a mission that is easy to articulate but very challenging to achieve: Provide laptop computers to the almost 2 billion children who live in parts of the world where poverty and the lack of a structured educational system deprive them of an adequate education. To further complicate the…

Describes one professor's problems in learning how to use a computer. Reviews several types of computer software and their functions. Calls for college professors to discover how a computer can help them utilize their time more efficiently. (BSR)

A resource list is provided of 24 available computer technology periodicals which have been developed or adapted to meet the specialized needs of blind and visually impaired computer users. Title, description of scope, publisher, and subscription information are provided. (JW)

Details the creative writing software program called "Kid Works 2" and claims that it is a solid and useful means of inspiring and fostering creative writing among young students. (HB)

Reviews basic principles of effective instructional design, then evaluates instructional computer programs in relation to how well the characteristics critical for effective self-instruction are incorporated into educational software. Includes a checklist for use in evaluating the design of educational software. (MD)

Evaluates three computer software programs designed to help writing teachers to respond to and comment on student papers. Asserts that these programs do not actually assist teachers in writing comments, but help them to avoid writing comments. Argues that teachers expect too much of the computer as an aid to response. (PRA)

Critiques current examples of computerized grammar and style checkers. Examines the relative strengths and weaknesses of each program. Concludes that programs are not an adequate substitute for knowing the applicable rule of English. (RW)

Reviews and critiques three current software products which function as encyclopedias for the computer. Provides publication information and detailed analysis of the programs. (HB)

Refutes Seymour Papert's premises because they: (1) maintain that computer criticism goes through developmental stages; (2) overlook the fact that the computer's newness in education affects the way people speak of computers; and (3) deny the necessity that teaching LOGO, like other pedagogies, should be accountable to experimental research. (PS)

Agrees with Seymour Papert that conventional experimentation has shortcomings when used to study effects of educational programs. Cites three research methods that, in combination, can compensate for the shortcomings of both conventional research and the computer criticism suggested by Papert. (PS)

Contains articles which review communications software. Includes "Crosstalk Mark 4,""ProComm,""Freeway Advanced,""Windows InTalk,""Relay Silver," and "Smartcom III." Compares in terms of text proprietary, MCI upload, Test ASCII, Spreadsheet Proprietary, Text XMODEM, Spreadsheet XMODEM, MCI Download, Documentation, Support and Service, ease of use,…

Lists general purpose communication programs for personal computers along with manufacturers' names and addresses, key data on each product, and comments. Includes memory requirements, price, BAUD rates, terminals, and protocols. Sixty-four manufacturers are listed. (CW)

Examines the use of computers, strategies for using packaged software and the use of multimedia in the elementary school classroom. Information on telecommunication software and examples of its use are also provided. The article includes addresses and phone numbers for acquiring product information. (GLR)

Suggests the advantages of using one of the commercial integrated software packages for introductory business communications courses. Reviews three widely used integrated packages ("Enable," Microsoft "Works," and "PFS First Choice") that are available in low-cost student editions. (PRA)

This booklet presents a compilation of the best articles from the quarterly newsletter "ACTTion News," produced by Project ACTT: Activating Children Through Technology. It contains reviews of software programs and articles on computer technology, training, and curriculum publications. The articles are arranged alphabetically, and those…