Forest City, Iowa is a town that has 700 computers for 2,400 people who use them for everything from kindergarten lessons to cutting fabrics and tracking pork belly futures. These and other educational and home uses of the computers are discussed. (JN)

How to use the electronic spreadsheet (e.g., VisiCalc) creatively is discussed, with computer printouts for a number of algorithms. (MNS)

A microcomputer-controlled system for instrument processing and billing for complex analytical instruments funded by multiple sources in the University of California at Berkeley's College of Chemistry is described and its potential applications in other administrative situations are outlined. (MSE)

Responses to librarians' questions about library microcomputers cover simple applications to be used by staff with little experience, minimizing risk factor, choosing a microcomputer, hardware obsolescence, uses of mainframes and minicomputers, capacity planning for microcomputers, security of library's data, copyrighted software, and future use…

Some of the most hopeful applications of computers and computer software (particularly as prosthetic devices to aid communication) exist in the area of special education. Several of these applications are discussed. (JN)

Two examples of computerized spreadsheets dealing with planning, forecasting, and development of a park maintenance strategy are illustrated and explained. (DF)

Reports results of a 1982/83 nationwide survey of administrators and teachers to determine the level of microcomputer use in elementary and secondary schools. Indicates that microcomputer availability and planned expenditures are increasing and that two-thirds of the nation's schools have at least one microcomputer in their facilities. (JN)

In addition to turtle graphics, the Logo programing language has list and text processing capabilities that open up opportunities for word games, language programs, word processing, and other applications. Provided are examples of these applications using both Apple and MIT Logo versions. Includes sample interactive programs. (JN)

Describes the development of an affordable, comprehensive, and easily usable microcomputer-based system at Notre Dame High School (Niles, Illinois) for school administrative functions. Reveals improvements in communication effectiveness and time savings. (DMM)

Discusses a project using Logo with special needs children--primarily six to 10 year olds who are physically handicapped and/or learning disabled. Indicates that microcomputers should provide motivation and a means of communication, reveal hidden strengths, and empower children to be in control of their own learning. (JN)

A campus computer center at Hofstra University (New York) that holds 70 terminals for student use was first a gymnasium, then a language laboratory. Strands of fiber optics are used for the necessary wiring. (MLF)

A system of translation using the computer to assist but not replace the translator is described. Each of the system's three levels incorporates successively more sophisticated translation aids, all under the translator's control. The third level incorporates a full machine translator. (MSE)

Discusses uses of Apple microcomputers in the engineering technology department at Western Kentucky University. These include providing homework assignments, computerized laboratory reporting and testing, and development of computer programs on course content. Seven programs related to DC circuit analysis are discussed and titles of other programs…

Offers thoughts concerning the difficulties school administrators face in choosing microcomputer equipment and software with technology improving so rapidly. General purpose software and specific applications are discussed, and a checklist of 18 questions for administrators to use during initial inquiries about software packages is included. (EJS)

Freshmen at Clarkson College of Technology (Potsdam, NY) will be issued a Zenith microcomputer. Every aspect of Clarkson's curriculum will be redesigned to capitalize on the new computing and word processing power. Students will pay $200/semester and a one-time $200 maintenance fee and will keep the computer when they graduate. (Author/JN)