Presents several computer-oriented activities dealing with electronic dice, reading menus, rhyming words, and a high-technology version of musical chairs. Although these activities assume a certain level of computer expertise, each one can be easily adapted in any grade. (JN)

Language arts skills and writing projects can be combined with activities that teach the fundamentals of word processing to improve the language arts curriculum. Suggested lessons cover five writing and editing operations common to most word processing software. (DF)

Presents a two-lesson unit in which middle school students use the TimeLiner software program to create and print time lines for past presidents and their terms of office. Objectives, materials, activities/procedures, and evaluation are described for each lesson. (MES)

This paper presents a three-phase model of how formative evaluation research can inform the design of educational computer software products. Used as an illustrative case is a program of formative research conducted on "The Talking Clock," a computer assisted instructional software product designed to help children in kindergarten through second…

This paper discusses the types of computer software that are most effective in a classroom. Detailed descriptions are given of: (1) drill and practice programs; (2) tutorials; (3) simulations; and (4) games and problem-solving software. The effectiveness of each is discussed as well as the characteristics of a good program of its genre. An example…

The article presents technology projects that provide real-life reasons for students to learn geography. A variety of online networks take students on online field trips, linking them with scientists, zoologists, archaeologists, and explorers. Other interactive software is available to simulate trips to various locations around the world. (SM)

Students aged 10 to 17 years in a primary school and a secondary school in an industrial suburb of Melbourne, Australia, were observed as they worked at activities in both curriculum and non-curriculum areas using MITSI, a computer program, as a KBS (knowledge-based system) tool. Evaluations of the students' general abilities, computer abilities,…

A research program was undertaken to study the functional learning environment (FLE) in which computers operate, i.e., those environments in which learning activities have a function or purpose from the child's viewpoint. Results of three projects illustrate the importance of teachers in creating and interpreting children's learning environments.…

Describes readiness activities which introduce telecommunications skills into the classroom. Computer activities and programs that simulate message writing and data retrieval are highlighted, and writing exercises that do not require computers are also included. Specific instructions are given for PFS readiness, a program which simulates an…

This guide examines how students with mild handicaps can use technology effectively in their learning. The guide focuses on how a teacher adapts classroom lessons for mildly handicapped learners by structuring and organizing lessons, by using options available with the technology, or by choosing programs. The guide focuses on those students who…

This guide was developed in an Illinois program to help home economics teachers integrate the use of computers and program-related software into existing programs. After students are taught the basic computer skills outlined in the beginning of the guide, 50 learning activities can be used as an integral part of the instructional program. (One or…

Describes an activity that introduces students to the use of database software to collect and interpret data. Asks middle school students to collect personal information regarding their dominant hand, eye, and thumb. Students use FIND and AND commands to create tables and respond to questions related to the data. (MDH)

A project was undertaken to review and restructure the secretarial and clerical curriculum at Sikeston Area Vocational School in Sikeston, Missouri. Input from advisory committee members, members of the business community, teachers, and published articles were synthesized to identify additional units that needed to be incorporated into the…