Evaluates technology support in Chesapeake (Virginia) Public Schools, including level of computer use, problem resolution, status of training, and costs. Offers several recommendations to improve technology support. (PKP)

"Big Business" is a series of computer simulations designed to give players a chance to compete in the practical world of business and finance. The basic elements of the simulations and versions designed for home use, middle school students, and high school students are described. (Author/JN)

"Lemonade" is one in a series of simulations designed to permit exploration of elementary concepts in economics. The nature of the simulation, problem-solving skills fostered, and suggestions for use of the program in the classroom are discussed. (Author/JN)

Arguments for and against the use of computers in mathematics classes have centered on whether students benefit from or are merely hindered by practicing computational skills. This paper claims that the true essence of mathematics lies not in computation, basically a mechanical operation, but in problem-solving. Since no amount of computational…

Research on the effectiveness of microcomputer software for drill and practice is briefly summarized, as well as research on other ways of using microcomputers. (MNS)

Discusses the use of microcomputers and software as problem-solving tools, including comments on "TK! Solver," automatic problem-solving program (reviewed in detail on pp.84-86 in this same issue). Also discusses problem-solving approaches to bridge the disciplines, such as music/physics, junior high science/mathematics (genetics),…

Discusses steps involved in model building and simulation: understanding a problem, building a model, and simulation. Includes a mathematical model (focusing on a problem dealing with influenza) written in the DYNAMO computer language, developed specifically for writing simulation models. (Author/JN)

Argues that computers are not the inhuman devices stereotyped in the popular media but valuable tools which can humanize education and help develop basic human traits by enhancing autonomy, individuality, rationality, affectiveness, responsiveness, and creativity. (DC)

Describes a districtwide effort to select and implement a computerized system that could compile and maintain student census data, in addition to redesigning the district's school bus routes to better accommodate a growing student population without increasing the number of buses in service. (JG)

A program for a number of guessing logic games, written in APPLESOFT, is first given. Then four computer-related terms are defined. (MNS)

Educational administrators need to become sufficiently computer literate to ask programers the necessary questions, to know and use the full range of computer capabilities, and to increase the computing capabilities of their schools. (MLF)

Discusses constructive ways to use microcomputers as educational aids. Areas considered include software packages with graphics capabilities to help students visualize their work, programs fostering skill development (including problem-solving), microcomputer rentals, use of computers to learn programing languages, and others. (JN)

The difficulty many students have in solving complex problems stems not from a lack of mathematical skill but from an inability to visualize the problem. An appropriately-structured computer game may assist students in achieving this visualization and in solving problems better. A heuristic approach in programing one game is provided. (Author/JN)

Discusses issues related to how students should use computers in schools. Indicates that using computers as tools leads to further experimentation and new discoveries and that skills learned in the computing process can be used to find innovative ways to solve new problems. (JN)

First-hand accounts of what teachers have done with students and computers in their classrooms, how students have responded, and what and how teachers have learned from these experiences are discussed in the 19 articles in this book. The articles are presented under these headings: (1) teaching writing with word processors; (2) learning to inquire…