The authors suggest that students with learning disabilities can profit from instruction via microcomputers. However, adaptation of the keyboard design, promotions of higher interaction levels, and emphasis on an auditory link may be necessary. The PLATO system allows auditory presentation of instructions and feedback and response via a…

A microcomputer program features the "Diagnostic Evaluation of Writing Skills" (DEWS), in which 41 criteria are provided representing most common types of errors. An evaluation of DEW'S diagnostic ability revealed its value as a means of selecting students in need of special remediation. (CL)

Two studies of 300 elementary schools in 52 California school districts (all schools had computers for instructional use) found that two-thirds allowed learning handicapped (LH) students access, that only half provided computer instruction to LH students, but that the more microcomputers a school had the more access LH students had. (Author/DB)

A day in a learning disabilities resource room with children in grades one through six is described. The teacher used a personal microcomputer and no commercial software. The computer offers many advantages and rewards for children with learning disabilities. (Author/SEW)

The results of a study designed to compare the performance of learning handicapped and normally achieving students on microcomputer-administered spelling tests led the authors to suggest that microcomputer-administered dictation spelling tests may interfere with the cognitive process required in spelling for learning disabled students. (JW)

The Learning Skills Program at Cabrillo College (Aptos, California) utilizes microcomputers to provide diagnostic and instructional services to learning disabled adults enrolled in this two-year community college. (SW)

Suggestions are offered regarding the use and selection of software with LD (learning disabled) students. The scarcity of appropriate software for the population is pointed out and a hybrid selection scale based upon several existing scales is described. It is noted that the major reason for rejecting software is the high readability skill…

In special education, computers can assist with individualized instruction and manage recordkeeping, but instructional applications are frequently limited by software. Educators must become advocates by supporting computer literacy programs and becoming consultants for researchers and software developers to assure the development of quality…

The article examines constraints imposed by school environments and impacts of systematic microcomputer-administered testing. Considered are physical integration of the microcomputer in the classroom, scheduling factors, hardware malfunctioning, pupil and teacher characteristics. The authors suggest tempering enthusiasm regarding computer-based…

A resource room teacher describes the versatility of a microcomputer in programing for learning disabled or emotionally handicapped students (grades K-8). She cites the microcomputer's contributions to student self-concept. (CL)

The paper describes the development of an interactive computer training program (COMP-TREX) that uses microcomputer technology in a nonthreatening way and that has proven successful in classroom applicants with learning disabled students. Use of the Super Pilot software system in language processing is discussed. (CL)

Guidelines for evaluating and selecting software for computer assisted instruction of learning disabled students touch on technical adequacy, instructional effectiveness, and matters of presentation format (rate, modality, feedback, and reinforcement aspects.) (CL)

The advantages of using microcomputers, particularly with learning-disabled (LD) students, are pointed out; and an example of a successful program utilizing computers at the Johns Hopkins University is described. (SW)

Discusses the use of technology to help students with learning disabilities, particularly dyslexia. Highlights include BookWise, a microcomputer-based interactive reading system, and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act that apply to employees with physical or mental limitations who are otherwise qualified workers. (LRW)

SPELL MASTER, a microcomputer-based spelling instruction system, provides the basis from which teachers can individualize learning disabled students' spelling lessons. Additional features include provision of daily and cumulative reports and establishment of criterion-referenced tests to place and monitor spelling performance. (CL)