The use of computers in teaching basic skills to special education students is examined. Six instructional techniques useful in teaching basic skills are outlined: information delivery, demonstration, drill and practice, problem solving, tutorial, and instructional games. A summary lists the contributions of technologies to effective learning,…

The Basic Skills Keyboards is a software program that features a variety of game files presented in ways tied to the cognitive deficits associated with autism. The program is based on the hypothesis that such students have problems with cause-effect, means-end, and personal agency, and would develop a working knowledge of these relationships via…

Examines how resource sharing works to bring the promise of high technology to the poor, considering whether it will increase disparities (particularly in the areas of education and employment) or it will be a tool to enhance the learning process and provide additional avenues for job seekers. (JN)

Cost data were collected from a study on the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction (CAI) for culturally disadvantaged children in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Based upon the resource ingredients approach to measuring costs, it was found that up to three daily 10-minute sessions of drill and practice could be provided for each…

The report presents a framework for the application of a curriculum model to computer programs designed for special education students, specifically slow learners and learning disabled students in regular and special education classes. The program content includes selected basic skills instructional components that are transferable to a computer.…

This article examines how various types of arithmetic problems can be generated for use in computerized instruction units. Systems for scoring and adjusting problem difficulties are also examined. (SD)

Pointing out the difficulties in passing from the industrial age to the information age, this paper discusses the advent of new technologies and worldwide recognition of the significant influence technology will have for education. Conferences resulting in development actions aimed at introducing new information technologies into education and…

This collection of articles focuses on the use of word processing software programs as instructional tools for students learning writing composition. Section 1 discusses the use of word processors as a composition tools within the process model of writing instruction and includes articles entitled "Should Students Use Spelling Checkers?,""A Recipe…

This article describes the use of computer-assisted and computer-managed instruction in self-contained and departmentalized classrooms in Arkansas elementary and secondary schools since 1983, when the state enacted provisions for the use of computers to enhance previously mandated improvements in basic skills instruction. (PGD)

This evaluation of the use of computers in the Portland Public Schools (Oregon) is divided into three main sections. (1) Computer based instruction (Chapter 1, Computer Assisted Instruction, and Chapter 2, Prescription Learning) evaluates two different systems which use computers as an aid to basic skills instruction in mathematics, reading and…

This handbook contains journal articles, reports, and documents collected for the purpose of providing school administrators with current information on computer applications in public schools. The first part of the handbook includes reports on computer oriented programs in the schools of Alaska and Oregon, procedures for assessing computer needs,…

Reports on a study that investigated whether computer-assisted instruction is as effective and efficient as teacher-only instruction in helping children with severe learning difficulties master a basic sight vocabulary. Concludes that children can significantly improve their sight vocabulary with minimal daily individual instruction and that the…

Describes the Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Program developed to help Chapter 1 students learn better thinking skills that improve basic skills and social confidence. (MD)

Computer-assisted instruction can aid in the implementation of British National Curriculum requirements with children having profound and multiple learning difficulties. Suggestions are given for developing visual skills, auditory skills, cognitive skills, vocalization, communication, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills. (DB)

Research on perceived locus of control indicates that there is a positive correlation between internal locus of control and a variety of cognitive behaviors associated with academic achievement, that the perceived locus of control of educationally disadvantaged students is more external than average, and that the perceived locus of control of such…