Describes the Scottish Microelectronics Development Programme (SMDP), which was undertaken to advance the use of microcomputers in instruction at all educational levels in Scotland. The development of the microprocessor and its effect on educational technology are briefly considered, as well as initial problems and prospects for the future of…

A bibliography of periodicals and directories which provide descriptions and reviews of microcomputer software for use in educational settings. (JJD)

Described is a new computer language called LOGO and the use of personal computers with very young children at Dallas' Lamplighter School where computers are everywhere--one in each preschool and kindergarten room, two in each elementary classroom, and two in each shared space. (KC)

Describes several ways in which microcomputers have been adapted to needs of the handicapped. One system consists of a Dynatyper (solenoid driven array of plastic plungers sitting above typewriter keyboard), Braillewriter, and Apple II microcomputer which produces hard-copy braille. (JN)

Descriptions of a program called muMATH and a computer language called muSIMP are given to show what the state of the art is in mathematical programing material for personal computers. The intent is to get college mathematics instructors thinking about what the future portends for their field. (MP)

Examines the application of microcomputer statistics in social studies, and computer access and simulations in middle school environments. An interdisciplinary framework of curricula among social studies, science, and mathematics teachers with equal access to microcomputers and software programs is encouraged. (MER)

Describes the use of a microcomputer system (ECHO) which permits greater access to student thought processes. Initial piloting indicates that self-reports can be unobtrusively solicited from students during ongoing instruction. Research background, data collection approaches, and a description of the ECHO system are given. (MER)

Advantages and disadvantages of common ways to justify the answer to a probability problem are discussed. One explanation appears superior to the others because it is easy to understand, mathematically rigorous, generalizes to a broader class of problems, and avoids the deficiencies of the other explanations. (MNS)

Usable responses received from 129 students in an introductory microcomputer course showed that the following were not related to course success: prior keyboarding/typewriting experience, age, or use of computer in other classes. Few significant differences appeared between those required and not required to take the course. Respondents thought…

A mechanism for using personal computer spreadsheet software to generate unique laboratory and problem assignments in optics for each student and provide corresponding solutions that can be checked quickly is described. The method minimizes some students' tendency to inspect others' solutions without solving problems themselves. Another…

A newsletter addresses the issues school administrators should consider in planning and implementing the use of microcomputers in their schools. Described are ways in which microcomputers will change management, the variety of ways computers can be used in educational administration, classroom activities using computer-based instruction, criteria…

Current instructional uses of computers primarily involve an individualized approach which requires assigning one student per computer. However, the computer can also serve as an "electronic chalkboard" in small and large group instruction in the middle school. The equipment required for the electronic chalkboard include: (1) the…

This report reviews eight IBM-compatible software packages that are available to secondary schools to teach computer-aided drafting (CAD). Software packages to be considered were selected following reviews of CAD periodicals, computers in education periodicals, advertisements, and recommendations of teachers. The packages were then rated by…

Many useful diagnostic procedures and therapeutic exercises associated with cognitive therapy can be conducted with a popular interactive computing system such as that in use at Bellevue Hospital. When purchasing a computer for this purpose versatility and availability of software, serviceability, modularity, and speed are factors to take into…

There is no one universal definition of the term "computer literacy," which, in fact, is used so generally that people often preface references to microcomputers in education with their own definitions of computer literacy. The term is organized semantically in a variety of ways, and central to this semantic organization is a problem of…