The development of the microcomputer offers advantages for behavioral science and educational research. Among the potentials of microcomputer use are enhanced capacities for precise replication and extension, measurement, and experimental control and randomization, and the relative economy that microcomputer-administered experimental treatments…

This study demonstrated that abstracts composed with the aid of a computer were rated higher than those without a computer. Categories assessed included spelling/punctuation, organization/design, sentence structure, clarity, and overall quality. Subjects were 68 students participating in the 1984 Secondary Student Training (SST) Research Program…

This publication acquaints the user with microcomputer statistical packages and offers a method for evaluation based on a set of criteria that can be adapted to the needs of the user. Several popular packages, typical of those available, are reviewed in detail: (1) Abstat, an easy to use command driven package compatible with the IBM PC or the…

This committee report presents survey results on the extent of the use of computers in British secondary schools, attitudes toward their use, and ways they are used. Future directions are discussed. (MNS)

Presents results of a survey on numbers of students and teachers using microcomputers in elementary and secondary schools, number of hours per week that microcomputers are in use, and the amount of time that each student-user has with the machine, both in general and for specific learning activities. (JN)

The implementation of a computer education program in a Hawaiian school is described. The use of the LOGO programing language is central to the program, and teachers' comments on student behaviors and reactions are included. (MNS)

Reduction in prices now makes it possible for almost any institution to use computer graphics for administrative decision making and research. Current and potential uses of computer graphics in these two areas are discussed. (JN)

This report on an investigation of available hardware which would support music peripherals in an instructional mode focuses on the application of microcomputers to the teaching of music. It discusses microprocessor-based PLATO instruction, hardware selection, and courseware transfer, and notes that experimental lesson results indicate that…

A Microcomputer-Implemented Design Aid and Simulator (MIDAS) has been developed and used as an interactive learning system by electrical engineering students at the freshman and sophomore level. Evaluation of the system indicates that a great potential exists in the area of dedicated, inexpensive, interactive learning systems. User acceptance has…

Described are four hour-long sessions of children working with the definition and use of a procedure for triangles in Logo programming. The conclusion is that turtle geometry is not a trivial activity. (MNS)

Discusses experiences in computer assisted instruction (CAI) at the Waterford School in Provo, Utah. Areas considered include long-term CAI projects, problems of conducting research in CAI, availability of computer expertise, availability of physical resources, and parental views of the programs at the school. (JN)

Seven graduate students in a seminar on classroom computing received instruction in LOGO programming. Programming protocols were collected periodically and examined for errors and misconceptions; in-depth interviews were conducted in order to understand specific misconceptions better. As novice students transit from instruction to experience in…

The effectiveness of the microcomputer versions of two computer-based career guidance systems--the System of Interactive Guidance and Information (SIGI) and Discover--was studied. Two questions were posed regarding how college students who have used SIGI or Discover differ in terms of change on selected career development measures and how they…

Research reports issued during the last decade and a half on the effectiveness of computer-based education (CBE) are examined. Surveys of research on CBE over this time period are considered rather than individual studies. Thus, this report represents a synthesis of a number of review articles which provide snapshots across two decades of the kind…

The aim of the ITMA Project is to establish research and development activities in parallel with the in-service and information services within the regional and national framework of the Microelectronics Education Programme. The major focus of the project is on the potential roles of the microcomputer in educational settings. (Author/JN)