This article acquaints business educators with the equipment, terminology, and the wide range of applications microcomputers have in business education programs. Areas examined include hardware, software, computer-assisted instruction (drill and practice, simulation, and tutorial), computer-managed instruction, and word processing. (CT)

A study was undertaken to determine whether PLATO would be used by the medical students at Mercer University and whether attitudes toward this type of computer-assisted instruction would prove generally positive; results indicated that students did utilize the system and that this use generated an overall favorable attitude. References are listed.…

Acquaints the reader with the personal computer, emphasizing its use as an aid in the learning process; considers the types of hardware available and software related to educational uses; and offers advice to those just entering this area. (Author)

Discussion of software security in university computer laboratories focuses on the causes of computer viruses. Possible ways to detect an infected disk are described; strategies for professors, students, and computer personnel to eradicate the spread of a computer virus are proposed; and two resources for further information are given. (LRW)

This overview of the computer industry vendors that supply microcomputer hardware to educators for use in kindergarten through high school focuses on Apple, Tandy, Commodore, and IBM. The use of MS-DOS versus the operating system used in Apple computers is discussed, and pricing and service issues are raised. (LRW)

Describes implementation, support, and evaluation of computer assisted learning (CAL) projects at three universities: Project Athena at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the Andrew network at Carnegie Mellon University; and a project at Stanford University. Topics discussed include work stations, microcomputers, computer networks, graphics,…

Although many of the criteria used to evaluate traditional instructional materials can be applied to the instructional aspects of computer-assisted instruction, additional criteria must be considered. These include interactivity, individualized feedback, rapid calculation, graphics, and cost-effectiveness. (JOW)

Discussion of the role of teachers in making decisions about what and how to teach focuses on their role in integrating computer technology into schools. The role of teachers as managers is discussed, and principles for empowering elementary school teachers to make decisions about technology are presented. (29 references) (LRW)

Considers the concept of virtual reality; reviews its history; describes general uses of virtual reality, including entertainment, medicine, and design applications; discusses classroom uses of virtual reality, including a software program called Virtus WalkThrough for use with a computer monitor; and suggests future possibilities. (34 references)…

There is an abundance of educational software available, the quality of which ranges from invaluable to a waste of money. The following guidelines should make shopping for software as painless as possible: (1) know your objectives; (2) be sure the software fits your equipment; (3) consider dealer support; (4) consider brand names first; (5) check…

This paper identifies three ways that computers are used in educational contexts. The first and most widespread use is as a tutor, i.e., as a delivery system for programmed instruction and drill-and-practice activities. The second use is as a programming environment to teach programming languages such as BASIC, LOGO, or PASCAL. The third use is as…

The paper examines applications of computers in deaf education, noting three major functional areas: (1) the computer as a tutor; (2) the computer as a tool; and (3) the computer as a tutee. Software in the tutor mode (computer assisted instruction) is reviewed, and the need for software in the language arts area is noted. Computer applications…

This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises six stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not…

This computer software program bibliography available from the National Collegiate Software Clearinghouse (NCSC) includes programs for college students and researchers in anthropology, economics and business, education, English and text analysis, foreign language, general interest, history, management, philosophy and religion, political science,…

Thirty-four papers from a 1983 conference on the use of microcomputers in special education focus on specific applications of the new technology. An overview section, section 1, includes papers on computer literacy and daily living skills, considerations for marketing software, and the role of special educators in the information age. Section 2…