This description of the use of "probeware," i.e., hardware which connects to a microcomputer and works with the software to measure factors such as temperature, light, or motion in science laboratory experiments, uses as an example an experiment which would involve the measurement of pendulum motion using the "Precision Timer…

Discusses the use of a microcomputer/mini-floppy disk system by physics students to store and analyze experimental data and exchange messages with the lab instructor. Also discusses other uses, in particular those fostering critical thinking and hypothetico-deductive reasoning. (Author/SK)

This paper describes three interactive computer programs used with personal computers to present science learning modules for all ages. Developed by groups of teachers at the Educational Technology Center at the University of California, Irvine, these instructional materials do not use the techniques of contemporary artificial intelligence. (GDC)

The learning system described, which consists of a Terak 8510a connected to a Discovision PR-7820 videodisc player, provides instructions for implementing and editing course materials in physics, and a workplace in which the student performs a variety of operations. Five references are cited. (FM)

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): VERSION: Member's Apple Demonstration Kit. PRODUCER: Conduit, P.O. Box 388, Iowa City, Iowa 52244. EVALUATION COMPLETED: June 1982 by the staff and constituents of the Portland Public Schools, Multnomah ESD, Portland, Oregon. COST: $35.00. ABILITY LEVEL:…

The four projects described here, a selection of those funded by the Annenberg/CPB Project, focus on the use of telecommunication and information technologies as tools for teaching in higher education. All are written by people directly involved in the projects described. The introductory section, "Overview: Issues in Educational…

Describes a short computer program written in Logo programing language designed to provide students with new experiences in the study of vectors as they apply to classical physics. Suggestions for introductions, preparation, follow-up activities, and program examples are included. (EJS)

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): VERSION: Copyright 1979. PRODUCER: Mentor Software, Inc., Box 8082, St. Paul, Minnesota 55113. EVALUATION COMPLETED: March 14, 1982 by the staff and constituents of Texas Region X Educational Service Center. COST: $19.95. ABILITY LEVEL: Grade 11+. SUBJECT:…

A 10-week project conducted with 12 gifted 4th and 5th grade students (10 boys and 2 girls) examined the effectiveness of the Logo computer programming language as a tool for helping students understand some basic principles of physics. Three assumptions were tested: (1) motivated elementary school students can learn both turtle graphics and word…

Describes a single-concept program on alternating current series circuits that does not use the question and answer format usually associated with computer assisted instruction. The method serves a dual purpose, when used by the student as a final self-check of his/her understanding and by the teacher as a classroom demonstration. (Author/SK)

Described is a computer tutor designed to help students gain a qualitative understanding of important physics concepts. The tutor simulates a teaching strategy called "bridging analogies" that previous research has demonstrated to be successful in one-on-one tutoring and written explanation studies. The strategy is designed to remedy…

Lowering class dropout rates is the goal of the physics department at the University of Houston (Texas). Microcomputers, videotapes, and tutors are available to assist students. (Author/MLF)

Describes three California Institute of Technology projects that use IBM's InfoWindow multimedia computing technology to enhance the instructional value of a television series, "The Mechanical Universe," for use in high school and college physics. The use of personal computers and videodiscs is described, and computer graphics and video…

This project, stemming from work started under the National Science Foundation grant "Development of a Television Computer Assisted Instruction (TVCAI) System" SER-7806412, called for the transfer to videodisc of some of the videotape materials developed under the grant. Three efforts were included in the proposal: design and development…

Two questions about the effects of microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) activities on graphing skills were addressed in this study: (1) the extent to which activities help students link their concrete experiences with motion with graphic representations of these experiences; and (2) the degree of importance of the real-time aspect of the MBL in…