Describes computer-oriented teaching activities for the upper grades. They focus on the use of databases in history classes, checking taxes, examining aspects of the joystick button on Atari microcomputers, printing control using Logo, and a Logo program that draws whirling squares. All activities can be adapted for lower grades. (JN)

Presented are six activities suitable for middle grades. They include programs for voting, creating Logo patterns, and for selecting a writing topic. Other activities focus on use of the colon and FOR/NEXT loop in BASIC and evaluating programs. (JN)

Five activities suitable for upper grades are provided. They include programs to create polygons (Logo), determine where text is placed on screen (Apple Pascal), and draw a working clock (Logo). Other activities focus on command statements and creating a quiz. (JN)

Presented are four teaching activities for early grades, including one using the Atari PILOT "fill" command. Includes an article ("The Human Computer") by Andy Van Duyne suggesting a role-playing activity designed to illustrate programing techniques and terms. (JN)

With the production of SBAS, a combination of language and machine allowing for a disciplined and error-free approach to teaching programming is available. Instructional strategies for use with SBAS and basic concepts (decisions, repetitions/iterations, actions/processes) are discussed. Sample flow charts and program listings are provided. (JN)

A light box is an apparatus designed to show the logical states of the User Port Pins of a PET microcomputer. Details of this aspect of computer studies are provided to introduce students to the possibilities of microprocessor control. Details of PET User Port interface and sample programs are included. (Author/JN)

Answers to problems (in Applesoft Basic) in the Second Annual Computer Problem Solving Contest are presented, corresponding to elementary/junior/senior levels. Problems require good control of programing language, ability to solve problems, and implementing a problem-solving strategy within a computer language. Problem types include words,…

Pocket computers are promoted as an inexpensive means of teaching computer programing, particularly in today's world where there are increasing difficulties of obtaining funds for new curriculum materials. Samples of programs written in BASIC that can be run on pocket computers are presented, and instruction in elementary grades is promoted. (MP)

Features of two versions of the BASIC programing language are compared with the features of the PASCAL programing language. The application chosen for comparison was a word processor. The conclusion was that PASCAL had the best language features, but BASIC had better systems capabilities. (MP)

Discusses a variety of issues concerning the introductory course in computer methods in the business curriculum. Among the topics discussed are the nature of the students, the choice of programming language, the choice of online or batch environments, and the approach to instruction taken. (Author/IRT)

Proposes a programing design curriculum based on three conceptual areas: process, symbolic representation, and methods of interpretation; and describes computer games and simulations in which design skills of simple and conditional sequencing, rule or constraint specification, hypothesis testing, and modeling are employed. (Author/CMV)

This report provides 1-page reviews of 113 highly-rated computer software programs, identified from the evaluation reports of the following 16 evaluation services and educational technology magazines: Province of Alberta (Alberta Education), Baltimore County (Maryland) Public Schools, Province of British Columbia Ministry of Education, California…

This 10-chapter book is intended to fill a need for a clearly written, easy to follow, introduction to computer programming that teachers or parents can immediately put to use. Its sample programs are designed to capture attention and spark the imagination of children learning to use computers. The first chapter provides such introductory…

Learning to program involves developing an understanding of two hierarchies of concepts. One hierarchy consists of data and extends from very literal data (which represents only itself) to very abstract data incorporating variable values in complex interrelationships. The other hierarchy consists of the operations performed on the data and extends…