Examines the educational potential of three categories of computer networks--(1) resource sharing networks for sharing expensive peripherals; (2) communication networks for transferring messages between microcomputers; and (3) interactive networks for student collaboration on multiuser tasks. Advantages and disadvantages of networking and the…

Discusses the business of training employees to use microcomputers and describes the cost and several approaches to such training in corporations. These approaches include use of preprogramed tutorials provided by vendors, a minicourse including computer basics and hands-on experience for executives, and computer-assisted instruction for training…

Describes new microcomputer software and hardware which simplify data communications between computer systems. "Dumb" terminal software, programs which enhance a computer's data communications flexibility by means of character translation and data buffering, stand-alone versus integrated systems, and "smart" modems are…

Contains four tables summarizing the features of popular word processing programs for such microcomputers as the Radio Shack TRS-80s, the Apples, and the Atari. A list of vendors from whom the software packages are available is also provided. (Author/JL)

Reviews the growth of computers in schools throughout North America, the changing attitude towards acceptance of the necessity and desirability for computer literacy and computer science education, and some social implications. Discussion of many practical benefits include pupil control, adaptability to special education, increased motivation, and…

Three computer software packages from Krell, Borg-Warner, and Edu-ware are reviewed in terms of their improving users' vocabulary, verbal analogy, and mathematical skills in preparation for the SATs. Students benefitting most are those who know the subject but do poorly on tests. (MBR)

This comprehensive guide to Logo as a programing language discusses its potential for advanced as well as introductory programing, lists and explains several computer programs, and provides evaluative reviews of eight Logo systems, including information on their developers, distributors, price, format, appropriate microcomputer, documentation,…

Describes LOGO, an educational computing language designed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for use by young children in developing problem-solving skills. The structure of LOGO, the drawing operations possible using the LOGO "Turtle," LOGO as a learning environment, and the educational philosophy underlying LOGO are…

Argues that most school systems in the United States fit into one of the five evolutionary stages of computer use: initial experimentation, state legislative involvement, search for software, initial computer integration, and full integration. These stages are described and tips on how to choose the best computer software are given. (MBR)

Description of the Macintosh personal, educational, and business computer produced by Apple covers cost; physical characteristics including display devices, circuit boards, and built-in features; company-produced software; third-party produced software; memory and storage capacity; word-processing features; and graphics capabilities. (MBR)

Describes and evaluates the basic hardware, peripheral devices, system software, graphics capabilities, operations, and other features of the low-cost Commodore VIC-20 color microcomputer system. Included are three simultaneous musical tones plus one noise generator. (JL)

Presents overview of recently developed computer software which is based on an understanding of how learning happens informally in the home and designed to be fun. Programs developed by The Learning Company, Children's Television Workshop, Spinnaker Software, and Capital Children's Museum are highlighted. Producers and distributors of software are…

Surveys the choices available in new 16-bit microcomputers which run the MS-DOS operating system and which are IBM compatible. The 18 microcomputers reviewed are divided into the categories of compatibles offering additional features, low-cost compatibles, sleeker and faster compatibles, and coprocessor boards that yield compatibility. (MBR)

Describes features of five new software programs--Songwriter, Musical Ideas, Musicalc I, Musical Construction Set, Musicland, and Music Designer II--which facilitate musical composition and musical creativity in a variety of ways. Shortcomings are briefly discussed, and sources for further information are given. (MBR)

Describes and evaluates the hardware, software, peripheral devices, performance capabilities, and programing capacity of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum microcomputer. The computer's display system, its version of the BASIC programing language, its graphics capabilities, and the unique features of its data entry keyboard are discussed. (JL)