The revolution in computers begun in the mid 1950's will help education to meet the new challenges of the future generated by the predicted drastic declines in student enrollment and by changes in the types of learners served. Projects such as PLATO and TICCIT have proved that computers can provide useful and timely instruction for such learners…

A brief history of the Delaware PLATO project and descriptions of new developments in facilities, applications, user services, research, evaluation, and courseware produced since the Third Summative Report (1978) are provided, as well as an overview of PLATO applications at the University of Delaware. Sample lessons, illustrations, and activity…

The development of a computer self-test program in geology at Macalester College, Minnesota, is described. Based on the philosophy that tests, particularly those involving no grading, are useful study devices, computers are used to make tests available to students. Ten lessons have been developed on different topics in geology, and the computer…

Three school systems were examined to assess issues pertinent to microcomputer innovations in the schools, and to determine whether a revolution in education was taking place because of this new technology. A case study approach was used in this exploratory analysis in order to collect information from four levels: students, administrators,…

The 3-month study of the role of microcomputers in schools described in this report focuses on the six New England States and New York State. The report covers (1) instructional software available for the most frequently used microprocessors (including samples from several regions); (2) production of a resource listing of instructional courseware…

Discusses difficulties in developing manpower, hardware, and evaluation systems for computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in Taiwan. Highlights include the use of CAI in universities, secondary schools, and government agencies; a national project including personnel training, courseware development, and evaluation; and difficulties with computer…

Clarkson University provides each student with a Zenith microcomputer, the cost covered by tuition, eliminating many problems of computer availability and opening doors in the curriculum that were previously closed. (MSE)

Questionnaire responses of Israeli headmasters (N=110) on the introduction of microcomputers in their schools for handicapped children revealed a common emphasis on cognitive skill training and basic skill development with the hope that the computer's characteristics (clear-cut goals, feedback, adaptable pace, high response rate) would facilitate…

Briefly outlines a four-point plan to help integrate microcomputers into foreign language curriculums and discusses two alternative ways to build a software library: use of authoring systems and creating in-house software that teachers can adapt for drill-and-practice and tutorials. (MBR)

Describes a single input/single output feedback control system design program for IBM PC and compatible microcomputers. Uses a heat exchanger temperature control loop to illustrate the various applications of the program. (ML)

The range of microcomputer based applications in early childhood special education is characterized in terms of systems management, instructional management, and direct instruction. Six current issues are discussed including the need for integrated applications, instructional quality, unreasonable expectations of users, developmental…

Through the High Scope Curriculum Demonstration Project, which explored the use of microcomputers with children aged 3 to 7, it was found that microcomputers can be an educational asset when they are integrated into a developmental program in a way that supports the goals of the curriculum. (BB)

Identifies problems students have learning physics and explains how microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) tools can help the learner. Describes the possibilities for instruction with MBL instruments and stresses the pedagogical advantages it has in the sciences. (ML)

Describes how informatics is being integrated into the Bulgarian schools' curriculum through the use of microcomputers, Logo, and appropriate software. A set of problems that could be used for introducing informatics is presented which is based on the programming notions of cycle, recursion, and coding. (LRW)

Discussion of the use of computers as research tools to analyze the writing process focuses on a microcomputer-based software program, Recording WordStar. Studies using the software are described, including comparisons of traditional writing methods with word processing methods and utilization of the software's ability to play back a composition…