The authors cite specific ways that the classroom computer can aid the teacher, by providing a wide variety of independent instruction for students and by cutting down the time required for recordkeeping, testing, and other administrative tasks. (Author/SJL)

Proper software can turn a classroom computer into a teacher's productivity tool. Word processors, electronic spreadsheets, and filing and graphing programs make classroom and administrative duties less time consuming. (DF)

Presents two articles: "Your In-Class Communication Center" and "New Software Programs." The first suggests three ways for teachers to use their word processing program to generate standard forms, produce a class newsletter, and create a homework checklist for each student. The second presents information on software programs (grade level, focus,…

Six teachers who won microcomputers in a contest sponsored by "Instructor" report on their first year with the new machines. Computer programs and related class activities are discussed. (PP)

Describes computer simulation programs that take elementary and secondary students exploring. One has students act as Magellan commanding his ship to reinforce history, geography, decision-making, and resource management skills. Another has students use problem-solving skills to venture across oceans and find trading routes to the Orient. (SM)

Computers have become an extremely popular teaching tool, but many teachers are still uncomfortable with the resulting changes in education. Educators who have participated in shaping the course of the computers-in-the-schools movement answer some questions commonly asked by teachers. (DF)

Examines which skills students develop through social studies and how technology can help elementary students strengthen them. Important skills include understanding and using locational and directional terms and developing research, thinking, decision-making, interpersonal, and reading skills. Technology skill-builders include telecommunications…

Suggested computer programs for teaching about the 1992 election include a package of four social studies programs with an election year theme, a simulation in which students act as the incumbent president and solve various problems, and an interactive program with news clips, stills, and data from the 1988 elections. (SM)

Two articles discuss changes that are making technology useful to teachers. After examining computer uses in education, the articles describe new research and educational technology trends, and products and projects that got three teachers hooked on technology. (SM)

The editors of "Classroom Computer News" prepared this compendium of news and tips for using computers in the classroom. Topics include computer literacy, the benefits of classroom computer use, programing individualized education programs (IEPs), selecting courseware, the basics of microprocessors and new products. (Editor/SJL)

Three elementary teachers describe how they became involved in computer technology and the projects that caught their interest. One teacher used word processing to enhance students' writing abilities. Another used software to tailor learning to all levels. The third tried an international telecommunications program that allowed children to…

Many school districts let teachers take computers home over the summer to improve their skills. The article shares strategies about computer use, liability, borrowing, and moving from school to home. It suggests summer projects such as learning to use computerized gradebooks, learning new programs, and computerizing lesson plans and tests. (SM)

The author describes how he has integrated a TRS-80 microcomputer into his second-grade classroom as a tutor, an enrichment resource, and a recordkeeping tool. He outlines some of the benefits this microcomputer has brought to his students and himself. (SJL)

This article describes a computer network system that connects several microcomputers to a single disk drive and one copy of software. Many schools are switching to networks as a cheaper and more efficient means of computer instruction. Teachers may be faced with copywriting problems when reproducing programs. (DF)

Elementary and secondary school teachers explain how they get the most out of their computer labs. Ideas including conferencing with the school's computer teacher, developing a new system for disks, planning a practice project to reinforce basic skills, setting up computer competency training, and supporting the curriculum. (SM)