Provides a few examples of the use of the microcomputer in the classroom, emphasizing the advantages of the small machine. Notes the availability of tools to create instructional materials on the microcomputer. (Author/IRT)

Outlines a model that will help teachers perform the prerequisite activities necessary for the specification of a microcomputer system that will meet present and future instructional computing needs. (Author/IRT)

Reviews the role of computers, particularly the personal computer, in the learning process, discusses the many ways of using the computer to assist learners, and considers the advantages of personal computers over time-sharing computers. (Author/IRT)

Discusses barriers to the utilization of computers in instruction and outlines the program of the Elementary and Secondary School Subcommittee of the Association for Computing Machinery to identify and lay a foundation for the solution of problem areas. (Author/IRT)

Reports on a four-year study of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in which microcomputers were used in individual college classrooms as interactive instructional systems. Discusses students' feelings about CAI, the computer hardware and software, and the lesson models involved. (Author/RW)

Presents two examples of computer-based learning developed at the Educational Technology Center at the University of California. One is concerned with scientific literacy and the other with helping students improve formal reasoning skills. Two references are listed. (Author/MBR)

Identifies obstacles to progress of computer-based education as hardware, communications systems, and courseware costs, and computer illiteracy, lack of cooperative vehicles, inadequate teacher preparation, public cynicism, education bureaucracy, and funding shifts. Costs of an experiment involving nine Florida schools using PLATO with legislative…

Documents the design, development, and evaluation of a computer-managed spelling system for use with microcomputers in elementary schools. A comparison of this new technology with more conventional instruction, which indicated its greater effectiveness and economy, is also described, and implications for the future of computers in education are…

Discusses some reasons courseware developers have not embraced the systematic approach to microcomputer courseware design and describes ways systematic design could have a positive impact on courseware acceptance in classrooms. Twenty-two references are listed. (MBR)

Describes and compares 12 microcomputer-based authority languages and systems that are being marketed to elementary and secondary school teachers to assist them in developing their own courseware for computer-assisted instruction. Evaluation criteria are reviewed, and future development and research needs are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Presents procedures for a needs assessment where the instructional situation is identified and instructionally oriented needs are expressed through an instructional requirements matrix, as well as a description of the capabilities of microcomputers and their relationship to various instructional activities. A survey of microcomputers and their…

Describes a study conducted at the North Texas State Nursery School to examine interaction of preschool children with a microcomputer and determine whether social patterns were altered in relation to computer use. Results indicate most children used the microcomputer with friends and that the microcomputer did not disrupt pre-existing social…

Designed to determine whether computer-assisted instruction could enhance performance on Piagetian classification and conservation tasks, this study divided 44 preschool children into an experimental group, which was exposed to computer lessons, and a control group. Both age and computer exposure were found to be significant variables. (LRW)

Describes a project in which a microcomputer was used in conjunction with existing music software to provide a means for college music majors to practice ear training outside of the classroom. The implementation of the instructional program and evaluation of the program's success are discussed. An 11-item bibliography is included. (JL)

Presents recommendations for the topics and organization of preservice and inservice teacher training activities based on (1) a literature review on staff development for computer-assisted instruction, and (2) on opinions of successful microcomputer-using teachers in elementary and secondary science and mathematics instruction. (31 references)…