Examines which of three portable computers--AlphaSmart, DreamWriter, and Apple eMate--is the best choice for the classroom. The DreamWriter was selected as having the best combination of price and functionality, while the eMate is the choice if money is no object or the extra functionality is needed; the AlphaSmart has the benefit of a proven…

Describes study that was carried out at the University of Calgary to determine how elementary school children conceive of computer-related tasks and how this information might be used to generate animated icons for educational software. Child-computer interaction is discussed, and differences in responses between three age groups are examined. (10…

Presents an engineering environment oriented to the development of hypermedia applications for training. Training trends are described; requirements for a computer-based training (CBT) strategy are outlined; a hypermedia course structure is examined; microinstructional events (MIEs) are explained; and technology requirements and selection are…

Discusses changes that have made desktop publishing appealing and reasonably priced. Hardware, software, and printer options for getting started and moving on, typeface developments, and the key characteristics of desktop publishing are described. The author's notes on 33 articles from the personal computing literature from January-March 1994 are…

Describes computer-assisted activities used in the University of Michigan's teacher education program (computer conferencing and an interactive educational software package). The article discusses what the applications convey about the teaching and learning process, what they communicate about teacher knowledge, and what kind of educational future…

Describes the development of an online learning environment for a visually impaired professional. Topics include physical barriers, intellectual barriers, psychological barriers, and technological barriers; selecting appropriate hardware and software; and combining technologies that include personal computers, Web-based resources, network…

This book, intended for school administrators, provides a comprehensive account of how computer information systems can enable administrators at both middle and top management levels to manage the educational enterprise. It can be used as a textbook in an educational administration course emphasizing computer technology in education, an…

This annotated bibliography provides an overview of literature entered into the ERIC database in 1988 on computer use in elementary and secondary education, adult education, and special education. The first of four sections provides a list of overview documents on: computer-assisted instruction. Focusing on special applications, the second section…

Discusses three programs where mirocomputers were added to the classroom to introduce technology and aid in instruction. Presents a high school chemistry class with a modem hookup to Purdue University, an elementary facility to track students by mastery, and a project where fourth graders each received a computer for home. (MVL)

A survey of 287 staff developers was conducted during October 1986 to gather information on the use of computers in staff development offices. Questionnaires were mailed to every fifth member of the National Staff Development Council; 92 completed instruments were returned within one month for a return rate of 32%. Areas covered by the survey…

This manual based on Menlo Park's experiences in participating in a nationwide experimental computer literacy project provides guidelines for the development and management of a ComputerTown. This project, which was begun in September 1981 in the Menlo Park Public Library, concentrates on providing public access to microcomputers through hands-on…

Describes one way of structuring an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) in light of developments in artificial intelligence. A specialized intelligent operating system (SIOS) is proposed for software for a network of microcomputers, and it is postulated that a general learning system must be used as a basic framework for the SIOS. (Author/LRW)

The University of California (Irvine) has automated its scoring of placement tests to incoming freshmen and women with specialized administrative software that interfaces a microcomputer with an optical card reader. The university's placement testing program, the computerized system, and advantages of the system are explained. (JN)

Reviews the functions that should be included in an analytical workstation. Also discusses the common data file structures and the techniques of data interchange between software modules and presents a brief overview of commercial products and their interfacing characteristics. These software include word processors, spreadsheets, database…

Surveys ERIC documents and journal articles dealing with the instructional and administrative applications of microcomputers at the postsecondary level. (DMM)