For the thirty-ninth time, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two volumes.…

Discusses the use of computers in educational programs for school-age children in out-of-school settings. Principles for organizing educational activities in which computers are used as tools are discussed; examples of community-based programs are described; and suggestions for funding and staff development are offered. (eight references) (LRW)

Discusses ways in which computer-assisted instruction (CAI) could be used for mnemonic instruction in the classroom. Literature on mnemonic instruction is reviewed, CAI and the acquisition of effective learning strategies are discussed, and software developed for memory improvement is described. (25 references) (LRW)

Microcomputers in education are only valuable if there is software to stimulate each specific student. Teachers must understand each student's learning style then use computer software to meet individual needs. Students should become aware of their individual learning preferences and apply specific techniques to acquire knowledge more efficiently.…

Describes a study that investigated the interaction of learning-disabled students and their teachers with instructional elements of commercial courseware. The relationship of courseware design to student independence and motivation is discussed, implications for improving courseware design are noted, and ideas for further research are suggested.…

Although the use of computers in the classroom has been heralded as a major breakthrough in education, many educators have yet to use computers to their fullest advantage. This is perhaps due to the traditional assumption that students differed only in their speed of learning. However, new research indicates that students differ in their style of…

Discusses the use of computer assisted instruction to enhance learning basic skills within the traditional language arts curriculum. The Teaching for Transfer approach to software evaluation that is described is designed to provide teachers with information about how well a given piece of software can be integrated into the existing curriculum.…

Discussion of integrating computer technology into the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools focuses on the role of the teacher. Topics discussed include simplifying the technology; the need for better software; interaction between vendors and teachers; teacher training; the structure of learning; and the role of technology in education.…

This discussion of the use of microcomputers by mentally handicapped learners focuses on software availability and selection. Criteria for evaluating software are given, including considerations of visual display, reading level, program design, drill and practice opportunities, positive reinforcement, format variety, graphics, instructional…

Reports the results of the U.S. portion of a 1989 survey of elementary and secondary schools conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) that focused on school and teacher practices in using microcomputers. Highlights include hardware, instructional uses, goals for computer use, and software…

This newsletter issue concentrates on the topic of teaching written language skills to mildly handicapped elementary and secondary students, with emphasis on the communicative function of writing. The feature article discusses expository writing instruction, describing essential elements of the expository writing process and characteristics of…

Studies effectiveness of using computer simulation in a fifth grade social studies class. Concludes that a computer simulation can be used as an adjunct to teaching and that one computer may be used as effectively as many in the classroom. States that educators should use software that incorporates graphics, cuing, randomization, immediate…

Lists supplementary materials cited in the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database that can help social studies teachers use computers effectively in the classroom. Provides

This handbook provides information on 31 software programs designed to instruct students with attention disorders in individual and group settings. The most successful applications of instructional software are identified, and six broad categories of instructional software are discussed. Twenty-one strategies for teaching students with attention…

Discusses the advantages of integrated learning systems (ILS)--i.e., networked computers running broad-based curriculum software with a management system that tracks student progress--and describes their evolution from programs primarily for Chapter 1 "at-risk" students to distributed networks for use by all students. Guidelines for…