A teacher discusses how computers can be used in the classroom to increase individualization, motivation, and creativity. (DF)

The computer can be an effective mathematics teaching tool when combined with concrete learning materials. To be used properly in the classroom, the computer should emphasize thinking skills rather than repetitive drill and practice. (DF)

This article discusses how a school in Minnesota centralized its computer program into a lab situation taught by a teacher-computer specialist. Entire classes were instructed in word processing, programing with Logo, and modified drill and practice. Teachers were also involved in workshops to further computer literacy. (DF)

Students of all ages can apply what they have learned about symmetry by creating quilts on the computer using LOGO. The paper explains how to complete a computer quilting project. (SM)

Word processors can be used in the classroom to help teach both the mechanics of writing and the process as a whole. The computer can facilitate student/teacher conferencing, peer evaluation, peer collaboration, and purposeful writing. (DF)

Presents three ideas to help teachers who have only one computer for the entire classroom. The suggestions include having the teachers use the computer themselves to enhance productivity, hooking the computer up to a visual display, and looking for curriculum packages that inspire groups, not individuals. (SM)

Describes how elementary students can use computers to create newspapers from another time period, sparking their interest in history and motivating them to do a little research. (SM)

Elementary school children need hands-on experiences to understand science concepts. Computers can be used to store and analyze data collected by students, but educators seem to agree that students need to manipulate data themselves to really comprehend their discoveries. (DF)

Teachers can integrate computer use with regular classroom activities to motivate children and to help build self-esteem. Through creative teaching, the computerized classroom becomes a place where children develop problem-solving skills and learn to work together. (DF)

Presents a computer-assisted activity that helps students discover the importance of choosing words carefully. With a word processing program, small groups of students prepare creative, fill-in-the-blank challenges in which classmates must replace missing adjectives or verbs. (SM)

Having students create personalized stationery is a good way to promote student writing. Children of all ages can design computer-generated stationery in just a few steps using predrawn or original graphics and a variety of typefaces. The article describes three programs that enable students to create stationery. (SM)

Computers may help students delve farther into social studies research topics. The role of the computer in database management is explored in this article. (DF)

Simple graphing activity helps primary students make the jump from counting concrete objects to understanding abstract symbols. As part of the activity, students vote for their favorite season, then stand up and become a graph of the data they collect. The activity requires the Graph Club Classroom Kit software program. (SM)

The computer can be used in the classroom to make writing tasks less formidable. The word processor allows the writer to make corrections with less effort than rewriting an entire paper. Students are better able to see an imbalance between what they write and what they intended when writing with a computer. (DF)

Presents suggestions for helping students learn about probability using coins and a simple spreadsheet. The article details how to brainstorm, gather the necessary data, prepare the spreadsheet, learn from the data, and extend the learning. (SM)