Computers are changing the lives of millions of people, but schools are still not producing many computer literate students. Rapid improvements in hardware technology and major progress in the development of software have put computers within reach of everyone. Computer literacy must now be treated as a functional tool similar to reading, writing,…

Discusses artificial intelligence, its definitions, and potential applications. Provides listings of Logo and BASIC versions for programs along with REM statements needed to make modifications for use with Apple computers. (RT)

At Edmonds Community College (Washington), the Campus Parent Child Care Center, which provides parent education and day care for children from 2-1/2 to 5 years of age, has extended the children's curriculum to include computer science instruction. First, the children are introduced to basic computer terminology, such as "keyboard,""monitor" and…

Learning how to create smooth animation on the computer is a two-step process. Step one (discussed in SE 539 133) involves creating shapes. In the second step, students animate their newly created shapes. The programing necessary to accomplish the animation is discussed. (JN)

Two approaches to computer use instruction are applications (use of specific application software) and problem solving (developing thinking skills oriented toward using computers to solve problems). (SK)

The computer is a valuable tool for all levels of learning. This article discusses requirements for computer literacy, such as understanding abstract concepts and use of equipment. Suggestions for choosing software are offered. (DF)

Discusses various issues related to training individuals to use microcomputers, a neglected aspect of the personal computer industry. Several methods used to solve training problems and training software are considered. (JN)

Describes various instructional materials designed to teach computer programing. These materials (primarily for the Apple II microcomputer) include books, teaching packages, videotapes, audiocassette tapes, and computer media (including programs loaded from cassettes and disks). Information on classroom packages, writing software, and selecting an…

Presents test cases to adequately test the "triangle program" described in part 1 (appearing in volume 42 of this journal). Discusses test case design and design techniques, differentiating between testing (showing that errors present) and debugging (finding where/what errors are and correcting them). Suggests testing be incorporated into…

Describes the nature of modern general-purpose computer systems, including hardware, semiconductor electronics, microprocessors, computer architecture, input output technology, and system control programs. Seven suggested readings are cited. (FM)

This curriculum guide is one of five developed as part of the Illinois Plan for Business, Marketing, and Management Education for use in 9th and 10th grades. The curriculum guide includes teacher and student activities that can be implemented in many ways. Information on how to integrate the activity objectives of the Illinois Plan into the State…

This paper discusses five points related to developmental research on children learning to do Logo programming: (1) systematic developmental research documenting what children are learning as they learn to program is necessary; (2) Logo is cognitively complex beyond its early steps and difficult to learn without instructional guidance; (3) the…

Designed for use by computer programming teachers, this booklet presents the concepts of structured programming and provides examples of how to implement this methodology, which provides a systematic way of organizing programs so that even large and complex programs are easier to understand and modify than unstructured programs. After a brief…

The MC (microcomputer) paint brush and other parts of the MC painting medium can be used easily by the student, teacher, or artist, young or old, to produce color pictures on a TV screen and store them for later viewing or modification. The 15 colors available--two intensities of each of six colors, black, and two whites--can be painted with any…

The operation of the microcomputer requires one or more clocks or timers to measure intervals of different magnitudes. Methods are discussed for measuring time intervals on PET in hours, minutes, seconds, microseconds, miscellaneous units, and timing events on external devices. Directions are added for BASIC program applications of timing…