Described is an inexpensive apparatus, consisting of a microcomputer, a magnetostrictive digitizing tablet, and a teletype terminal, that accurately and quickly measures positions, lengths, and areas. Particular emphasis is given to interfacing, software, and to some applications in education and research of this minimum configuration system.…

Describes the components, costs, and capabilities of several desktop publishing systems, and examines their possible impact on work patterns within organizations. The text and graphics of the article were created using various microcomputer software packages. (CLB)

Comparison of three microcomputer statistical packages, SPSS, SAS, and BMDP, focuses on ease of use, ease of learning, documentation, accuracy, similarity to the mainframe version, and speed. The results of eight statistical multivariate analyses used to evaluate their performance are given. (LRW)

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)

Reviews relevant features for interactive video images of the four primary technologies that merge to intertwine themselves in interactive video (computers, television, instructional design, visual design); outlines critical structural elements of interactive video; and presents guidelines for creating interactive video images. (MBR)

Presents six computer-oriented classroom activities. They include: surveying a house for products using microprocessors, writing a program to display a flag, experimenting with LOGO's graphics capabilities, writing stories on the computer, using FOR/NEXT commands to create a blinking object, and teaching the Milton Bradley Big Trak to play…

B. F. Skinner provides advice for educators on several issues related to computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Some pitfalls of programed instruction in the 1960s which CAI may also face today, aversive control, courseware design, and use of computer graphics are among the areas explored. (JN)

Description of the Macintosh personal, educational, and business computer produced by Apple covers cost; physical characteristics including display devices, circuit boards, and built-in features; company-produced software; third-party produced software; memory and storage capacity; word-processing features; and graphics capabilities. (MBR)

A computer program which allows the solution of a Monte Carlo simulation (probabilistic sensitivity analysis) has been developed for the Vic-20 microcomputer. Theory of Monte Carlo simulation, program capabilities and operation, and sample calculations are discussed. Student comments on the program are included. (JN)

Discusses the design and operation of a microcomputer system which obtains and displays an individual's electrocardiogram (EKG). The EKG information, in digital form, can be stored on a floppy disk and transmitted over telephone lines by use of a modem. (JN)

Discusses what can be done with a LOGO turtle robot, how it is different from doing LOGO with the computer-screen turtle, and the educational value of the device. Sample programs are provided, including one in which the robot turtle can be commanded to react to meeting an obstacle. (JN)

Provides the rationale for considering communication in a graphic domain and suggests a specific goal for designing work stations which provide graphic capabilities in educational settings. The central element of this recommendation is the "pictorial conversation", a highly interactive exchange that includes pictures as the central elements.…

Offers and discusses three suggestions to capitalize on two developments related to system dynamics modeling and simulation. These developments are a junior/senior high textbook called "Introduction to Computer Simulation" and Micro-DYNAMO, a computer simulation language for microcomputers. (Author/JN)

Describes computer programs (available from authors) including molecular input to computer, programs for quantum chemistry, library orientation to technical literature, plotting potentiometric titration data, simulating oscilloscope curves, organic qualitative analysis with dynamic graphics, extended Huckel calculations, and calculator programs…

Provides a brief discussion of the graphics capabilities of microcomputers and describes specific graphics hardware and software that are available for the more popular microcomputers. The names and addresses of the producer/distributor and prices are given for each item. (CHC)