Points out that although there are thousands of software programs available to support educational applications, there is a paucity of suitable courseware. An in-place system for proper evaluation of courseware that, to date, has "approved" more than 200 computer-assisted instructional programs is described. (JN)

Reports on the various ways microcomputer hardware and courseware are being integrated into the nation's schools, in a race to avoid being locked into technological mediocrity. Effectiveness of computer assisted instruction, courseware development, and the time students use computers in elementary and secondary schools are among the areas…

Discusses computer editing and describes the capacities and features of an integrated software package, Writer's Workbench. Suggests ways in which this program can be used to improve writing skills. Reviews the effects of this program on technical users, college students, and high school students. (ML)

Discusses a conference organized by The Association for the Development of Computer-Based Instructional Systems titled "Children, Computers and Education" held in the Soviet Union. Describes the use of computers and the computer labs in Soviet schools visited by the conferees. Notes many schools still lack computers. (MVL)

Discusses the trends in education toward computer equipment and computer assisted learning in England. Surveys some of the attitudes of educators and students toward home-based, computer-aided learning, hardware and software. Anticipates future developments in technology for education. (CW)

Describes a successful school model that is piloting computer hardware and software while reviewing and modifying classroom strategies and instructional techniques. Discusses the purpose of the school and a typical day of instruction. Lists results for the fifth and sixth grades. (MVL)

Presents one educator's reaction to the National Task Force on Educational Technology's report. Provides responses to certain passages from the report's eight sections. Emphasizes that educators should look for ways to implement existing information-age technology in addition to more traditional forms of education technologies. (TW)

Presents an overview of an interactive videodisc courseware project that was designed to train teachers and to develop videodisc courseware modules in physics. Chronicles the progress made, describes the course content, and discusses the ramifications of the participants' attempt to put the training into practice. (ML)

Warns that educational software suffers in quality because programmers have generally ignored the role of the curriculum. Recommends steps for developing computer assisted instructional software and describes the roles of content experts, designers, and programmers in the process. (TW)

Describes a curriculum program designed to encourage sixth-grade students to think about issues from a variety of perspectives and make informed decisions. Discusses the incorporation of computer software from the "Decisions, Decisions" series into the instructional process. Outlines the components of the curriculum, provides an evaluation of the…

Discusses the current state of computer managed instruction (CMI) and the advantages it affords both teachers and students. Describes the learning objective as the focus of CMI. Notes the interaction of computer assisted instruction and CMI. Lists a directory of 16 CMI systems. (MVL)

Describes how a community college has adapted an instructional computer network originally developed to teach hearing impaired individuals to write. It is now used as an integral part of three different writing courses. Discusses how the system works, providing examples of student work, and a description of the software used. (TW)

Discusses the development of automated management systems for school library media centers. Suggests that schools of library and information science establish microcomputer laboratories containing state-of-the-art library management software and hardware that could be used for field work, inservices, and conferences. (TW)

Reviews national policy on informatics and education in Argentina. Lists government efforts to enhance computer literacy. Discusses the social context of computers. Calls for teacher training in computer techniques. Highlights the importance of computer resource specialists in schools. (CW)

Discusses the use of laserdiscs and interactive video technology in an earth science classroom. Delineates the basic equipment needed for a laserdisc workstation, along with a software authoring system. Describes the development and use of a software program called Mission Earth, which contains four lessons on astronomoy. (TW)