Discusses methods for teaching mathematics skills and describes a study of third graders that compared student performances on worksheets, a microcomputer drill and practice program, and daily one-minute timing procedures of precision teaching for independent practice of multiplication facts. Results indicate that precision teaching was the most…

Discussion of computers and informatics in Bulgaria focuses on educational computing. Highlights include national goals and objectives; microcomputers in secondary schools, including vocational schools; resources for educational computing, including retraining teachers, financial support, and the role of higher education institutions in developing…

Discusses conceptual difficulties in the field of geometrical optics and describes RAY, a microcomputer-based graphic interface that was designed to serve as a teaching aid and as a learning environment. The ability to combine theory and formal representations with real demonstrations and experiments is discussed. (Contains seven references.) (LRW)

This study investigated how teachers in two school systems, at different levels of instructional computer competence, thought about and used computers to support instruction. Survey results indicated teachers in both systems, at both levels, had similar perceptions of what it took to become effective instructional computer users. (SM)

Described and evaluated are microcomputers as a tool for construction in geometry education and heuristic theorem finding through interactive continuous variation of geometric configurations. Numerous examples of theorem finding processes are provided using the prototype graphics system CABRI-Geometer. (MDH)

Explores the use of local area networks (LAN's) in learning laboratories and how they are improving learning outcomes for certain student populations (e.g., deaf and developmental students). Describes how LAN's alter the instructor's role and how instructors can manage student-driven classrooms. Offers guidance on implementing a network system.…

Thomas Edison State College (New Jersey) has developed a computer-assisted distance learning system to make undergraduate study more accessible, efficient, and effective for nontraditional students. The three main components: an infrastructure to provide varied technical services; an independent study course system; and diagnostic, online pretests…

Discussion of computer-based instruction and animation focuses on a study of undergraduates that investigated the effects of two computer-based instructional strategies, visual display and feedback type, on teaching how to troubleshoot electronic circuits. Time spent on various components of the program is also examined. (35 references) (LRW)

Describes a step-by-step procedure that enables teachers to develop lessons that effectively use software or special calculators in the classroom. Problem-solving strategies and questions are determined that correspond to the technology through which students are able to construct their own knowledge. Illustrates the procedure using spreadsheets,…

Explores the concept of extraneous roots in radical equations using an alternative to traditional algebraic methods. Using calculator- or computer-based graphs, accounts for extraneous roots by examining the four possible cases of systems of equations that can produce the solution to the radical equation. (MDH)

Views the learning resources center (LRC) as the most accessible place at two-year colleges to apply microcomputers to instruction, pointing to the potential for LRC involvement in microlabs, computer-assisted instruction, staff development, software collection development, providing assistance with interactive authoring systems, automated…

Describes three experiments which examined the relative instructional effectiveness of using small group computer-based training (CBT) and individual CBT in a military setting. Retention abilities are tested in two of the experiments, pretests and posttests are described, cost effectiveness is discussed, and cooperative learning is considered. (25…

Discusses library staff training for microcomputer use. Topics discussed include size of training groups; trainer qualifications; length of time of instruction; resources; evaluation; media format, including audiocassette tapes, videocassette tapes, slides, and software programs; written documentation; and in-service training programs offered by…

A Navajo blanket design was constructed on a bulletin board and on geoboards. Then a program was written in LOGO to construct the pattern. Both top-down and bottom-up techniques were used. Students were encouraged to make their programs more efficient by utilizing repeat and subprocedures. (GW)

Studies the perceived effectiveness of four student projects involving videotape production, computer conferencing, microcomputer simulation, and rapid-cycling Brassica breeding for undergraduate plant breeding students in two course offerings in consecutive years. Linking of the computer conferencing and video projects improved the rating of the…