Suggestions offered to improve the quality of instructional computing software created by computer programming instructors cover analysis of the problem, program design, the development of each module, writing and debugging the program, and final testing and development. (EJS)

Discusses the introduction of one microcomputer into a fourth grade classroom to assist learners in achieving the goals already established by the teacher. Programs used were SPEED DRILL, for drill and practice of basic arithmetic with varying difficulty and speed, and CRITICAL READING, a program for logical thinking and comprehension. (EAO)

Four recent sources of classroom activities written by and for Logo teachers for use with young children are listed, and seven brief lesson plans suitable for introducing first-grade pupils to Logo are provided. Several educational computer games are included. (EAO)

Describes computer program designed to enable students to analyze process of political revolution by generating graphs for comparisons of such factors as violence, economic instability, and political instability. Student activities, abilities, and reactions, and teacher involvement are noted. Sources concerning revolution, the French Revolution,…

Presents problem solving model based on "Pac Man," which is designed to help develop systematic, throughtful, and productive decision making skills. The model--including steps in problem solving process, suggested questions for teachers to ask students, anticipated student responses--and applications to new situations are discussed. Four…

Discusses a project developed using HyperCard to teach geography and history. Describes research of weather patterns and corresponding historical accounts; HyperCard's capabilities for producing animated maps to display information; and the effectiveness of HyperCard as a teaching tool, including its flexible use as a lecture display tool or in a…

Provides Terrapin LOGO programs that use graphic manipulatives--squares, logs, and units--to form the area of a rectangle as a graphical representation for any trinomial of the form: Axx + Bx + C. An important component is the connection of the procedural skill of trinomial factoring to the visualization of the accompanying rectangular displays.…

This description of the development of a courseware package for teaching international issues to secondary school students discusses components of the package, including databases, spreadsheets, a text, a teacher guide, tests, worksheets, and lesson plans. The steps involved in using one of the lessons are outlined as an example. (CLB)

Discussion of the use of instructional videodiscs focuses on authoring tools that can change the original purpose of a disc. Ways in which videodiscs can be repurposed are described, including classroom presentations, testing, and interactive lesson design. Examples of videodisc software for each purpose are given. (LRW)

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.…

Discusses visual style in instructional science materials; describes problems with science media, including too much print on a page or screen and inappropriate designs for children; and highlights new products that have good design style as well as good content, including books, computer simulations, videos, computer software, and microworlds.…

Presents guidelines for creating student database files that supplement classroom teaching. Highlights include determining educational objectives, planning the database with computer specialists and subject area specialists, data entry, and creating student worksheets. Specific examples concerning elements of the periodic table and…

Describes the use of "Happy Hands" instructional materials and techniques for grades K-3 develop keyboarding knowledge and skills for computer-assisted instruction. Color coding techniques are explained; the use of dictation is discussed; keyboarding games and software are described; and the development of writing skills through…

Presents guidelines to appropriate keyboarding instruction in elementary schools. Topics addressed include whether keyboarding should be taught, where keyboarding fits within the curriculum, instruction time, instructional materials, equipment, furniture, teacher qualifications, teaching methods, student performance evaluation, and grading.…

Describes summer school sessions developed by Houston schools to improve performance of academically at-risk eighth graders on the Texas Educational Assessment of Minimum Skills (TEAMS). Highlights include content area lessons in language arts and mathematics; study and test-taking skills; multimedia instructional materials; and student and…