Examines the current status and short-term future of computer software development in higher education. Topics discussed include educational advantages of software; current program development techniques, including object oriented programming; and market trends, including IBM versus Macintosh and multimedia programs. (LRW)

Discusses the movement toward digital-based platforms including full-motion video for multimedia products. Hardware- and software-based compression techniques for digital data storage are considered, and a chart summarizes features of Digital Video Interactive, Moving Pictures Experts Group, P x 64, Joint Photographic Experts Group, Apple…

Describes how HyperCard software can be used to direct students to databases, applications, and explanations in an online environment. The use of HyperCard with other software is discussed; using HyperCard to set up tutorials is explained; and limitations are addressed, including the amount of memory needed and the speed of the hardware. (LRW)

Discusses the use of computers in music and music education. Topics discussed include the use of computers to assist in music composition and performance; changing employment opportunities for studio musicians; multimedia applications, including high resolution graphics; editing and publishing music; and database projects. (14 references) (LRW)

A study assessed the effectiveness of a microcomputer-assisted instructional program using graphics, color, and text in simulations to enhance pharmacy students' knowledge of microbiology and antimicrobial agents. Results indicated high short- and long-term retention of information presented and higher levels of knowledge and comprehension among…

Describes how elementary students can use computers to create newspapers from another time period, sparking their interest in history and motivating them to do a little research. (SM)

Summarizes studies postulating that advanced materials taught in multiple, nonlinear, and situationally dependent ways result in learning that encourages transfer and more agile use of data. Illustrates how microcomputer technology can be used to provide learning opportunities that are consistent with these goals. (JOW)

Discussion of computer input devices focuses on the keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen. Related research is reviewed concerning user preference and performance; advantages and disadvantages of each device are described; guidelines for selection are discussed; and suggestions for future research are offered. (19 references) (LRW)

Describes the features, advantages, and disadvantages of current hypermedia systems, and discusses types of systems, development environments, desirable features, and library and media center uses. An annotated list of hypermedia products, a list of associations and services for further information, a 36-item bibliography, and historical notes on…

Presents a conceptual analysis of self-efficacy and reviews the literature on self-efficacy in the microcomputer environment. Topics addressed include self-efficacy versus other theories; efficacy versus outcome expectations; and sources of efficacy information, including performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and…

Presents ideas to help teachers make one-computer classrooms work. Suggestions include making sure the teacher masters the computer, managing computer time, using keyboarding strategies (such as photocopied keyboards for practice), and using time-saving techniques (e.g., previewing programs, pooling resources, and treating computers with care).…

Describes thin clients as low-cost personal computers that lack hardware features and run applications off of a school's central server or via an application service provider on the Internet. Discusses advantages, including being easy to use, easy to manage, and less costly to service; and considers possible problems. (LRW)

Like a table of contents in print material, a computer-presented menu presents information. It informs a user of the topics that are available. Some menus present information by categories and thus communicate the organization as well as the content of the program. In addition to providing information, menus serve as a selection and retrieval…

Uses of the computer to support the development of writing skills was examined in a computer-intensive educational context, the Apple Classroom of Tomorrow (ACOT). Subjects were 55 sixth-grade minority students, 25 of whom were ACOT participants and the remainder members of a matched control group attending the same school. Computer-based writing…

The data reported in this paper gives depth to the picture of computers in society, in work, and in schools. The prices have dropped but computer corporations sell to schools, as they do to any other customer, to increase profits for themselves. Computerizing is a vehicle for social stratification. Computers are not easy to use and are hard to…