Abstracts of seven selected papers from the 7th Annual Microcomputers in Education Conference are presented. Papers are included on microcomputer-based labs, teaching science with robots, microcomputer software, problem solving, computer integrated math activities, and computer assisted mathematics. (RH)

Suggests a series of ratio activities that make use of a computer to produce graphical collections of objects in a grid with variable dimensions. Extends content to the areas of proportions, statistics, probability, programming, and problem solving. (PK)

Reviews the research concerning young children's use of computers in terms of their social/emotional development (peer interaction and cooperation, peer teaching and helping, social and cognitive interaction, and attitudes), language skills (language development, prereading reading, and writing skills), and mathematical and problem-solving skills.…

Explains how computer and game port interfacing reduces the time required for data collection and organization and also stimulates student interest in science laboratory exercises. Illustrates this approach through a description of a population-variation lab. Includes diagrams for the construction of the interface box. (ML)

Argues that a framework is needed for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) which would provide criteria for decisions about priorities and emphases. A comparison of two different types of CALL programs is made for the insights they may offer into developmental principles. (SED)

Promotes the use of computer modelling in physics instruction. Describes Dynamic Modelling System (DMS) and the procedures employed in applying it to problem solving in physics. Provides fundamental information on BASIC language and techniques for using DMS. (ML)

This Texas Tech University computer literacy course designed for preservice elementary and middle school mathematics teachers lacking a technological orientation facilitates their computer introduction through preliminary use of calculators. Course development, philosophy, and course segments are outlined with emphasis on the sequence in which…

Argues that the computer will make a major difference because it places within one total environment that teaches (the school) another total environment that teaches (the computer). A hopeful sign is the growing number of educational computer programs that use the computer effectively as a mind-tool rather than an instructional medium. (BBM)

Problem-based learning (PBL) is often promoted in response to the current need to offer authentic and effective professional education. PBL is a curriculum development and instructional system that simultaneously develops both problem solving strategies and disciplinary knowledge bases and skills by placing students in the active role of problem…

Presents the aims of the University of Amsterdam's Center for Research into Higher Education and describes two projects: (1) PLATO Pilot Project Amsterdam, a university-wide program in computer-assisted instruction; and (2) "Exercise in Chemical Problem-Solving," computer simulations designed to aid students in developing problem-solving…

Learn, Explore, and Practice (LEAP) is an intelligent tutoring system for training new customer contact employees in customer interaction skills (problem solving and sales) as well as domain knowledge, such as telecommunications products and services. This article describes the design and evaluation (formative and summative) of the first version…

Summarizes points made by various commentators about the pitfalls of Web teaching. Critiques the integration of computer-assisted instruction into the larger curriculum, the quality of World Wide Web resources for teaching biochemistry, and the assessment of computer-assisted instructional components. (DDR)

Illustrates the diverse ways in which the computer spreadsheet can be used by both teachers and students as a problem-solving tool in high school mathematics, and provides detailed examples of spreadsheet use in word problems. Discusses the functions of spreadsheet tables, columns, and graphs. (AEF)

This study examined the effect of video-based contextualized advisement and competition on transfer of mathematics skills in a computer-based simulation game in which participants helped their "aunt and uncle" fix up a house. Participants were 123 seventh- and eighth-grade students. Results indicated an interaction between competition…

This article describes the process used by the Educational Foundations Department at Georgia State University in developing computer-assisted instruction (CAI) modules in the areas of statistics and research methods. Courses taken by graduate students who assist faculty members in developing these modules are described. (Author)