Describes strategies for providing low-cost microcomputer-based software for classroom use on college campuses. Highlights include descriptions of the software (IUWare and Computing Tools); computing center support; license policies; documentation; promotion; distribution; staff, faculty, and user training; problems; and future plans. (LRW)

Parent guidelines for selecting appropriate software for three- to five-year-olds address trying the software out, what to look for, and what to expect. Evaluation criteria cover appropriate vocabulary level, individual needs, child involvement, target audience, creative presentation, and useful feedback. (CB)

Just how much do education's highest-level administrators use microcomputers? This question was partially answered with an informal survey of 75 college presidents. Findings (including presidents' computing backgrounds, personal experiences with microcomputing, programs they would use if available, and basic elements conducive to executive…

This article outlines an approach for developing and applying computerized decision support systems to the formulation and evaluation of public policy. To meet the challenge of financial resource limitations, new management systems must be developed to improve both governmental efficiency and decision-making effectiveness. (Author/BS)

Reports on the progress of the Duke Language Toolkit, a collection of programs formulated to provide foreign alphabet capabilities on the IBM PC. The Toolkit itself, the interface of the Toolkit to other commonly used software, and the direction of the Toolkit project over the next nine months are discussed. (SED)

Computer-based management systems offer an efficient means of recording, categorizing, and summarizing data on student discipline. This article furnishes basic information on developing student files, entering data, and generating meaningful reports, such as individual student profiles, date and period frequency, student referral distribution, and…

Explores the potential usefulness of computers for social service practitioners in child welfare, using the "expert systems" model to support the placement planning process. Presents the structure of one experimental consulting program (PLACECON) for child welfare workers. (Author/HOD)

Examination of methods used by two software review services in evaluating microcomputer courseware--EPIE (Educational Products Information Exchange) and MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers)--found low correlations between their recommendations for 82 programs. This lack of agreement casts doubts on the usefulness of…

Reported are several attempts to approximate Pi by using a microcomputer to calculate the ratio of the perimeter to the diameter of regular polygons enscribed in a circle. Three computer programs are listed. (MNS)

Five guidelines for enhancing the value of a computer graphics program are described and illustrated. Using a well-structured program, correct scaling, normalized device coordinates, word coordinates, and illusions are discussed. (MNS)

Microcomputer programs that help students calculate permutations and combinations are developed. Listings of five programs are included. (MNS)

Two graphics programs for students in grades six-12 are given. "Circle Through 3 Points" and "Star Polygons." Students gain familiarity with the xy-plane, the radii and centers of circles, and ellipses, while more advanced students learn about parametric equations and using random numbers to produce random shapes. (MNS)

Describes features of a macroeconomics model that runs on a microcomputer and its solution, sometimes called a simulation. Specific uses of the model in the teaching of introductory and intermediate/advanced levels of macroeconomics are discussed, as well as use by economic planners in running alternative forecasts. (MBR)

The progression from simple interest to compound interest leads naturally and quickly to the number e, involving mathematical discovery learning through writing programs. Several programs are given, with suggestions for a teaching sequence. (MNS)

Using Logo to work through a maze is described. Suggested programs to help students learn to debug programs are also included, along with the story of the original "computer bug." (MNS)