A review of the research on techniques for increasing the novice's understanding of computers and computer programming, this paper considers the potential usefulness of five tentative recommendations pertinent to the design of computer literacy curricula: (1) provide the learner with a concrete model of the computer; (2) encourage the learner to…

NATAL is a high-level programming language designed to meet the requirements of the course author in the preparation of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) materials. The basis for its design is found in the functional specification published by the National Research Council's Associate Committee on Instructional Technology; developers of the…

Three Project Solo modules are presented. They are designed to teach the concepts of elementary matrix operation, matrix multiplication, and finite-state automata. Together with the module on communication matrices from Newsletter #17 they form a well motivated but structured path to expertise in this area. (JY)

Five ideas for computer-oriented classroom activities are presented. They include sending secret messages (while introducing the American Standard Code for Information Interchange- ASCII), conducting a computer survey, playing adventure games, showing why the END command is needed, and using control characters to protect a program. (JN)

Suggestions for five activities are presented. They include: ideas for several student problem-solving projects; preparing a flowsheet and program for 10 coin and dice games; using word processor formatting commands to create word designs; creating sounds; and writing a program to print out sums indefinitely. (JN)

Presents computer-oriented teaching suggestions suitable for early grades. They include creating houses and stained glass ornaments using Logo, recording class activities with a database management program, making mazes with graphics programs, making drawings with a KoalaPad, and using a program to introduce computers to non-English speaking…

This study identified computer objectives based on recommendations of the authoritative accounting bodies, determined whether the typical introductory computer course has these same objectives, and examined the influence of the academic department responsible for teaching the course. Relationships between department and course objectives,…

Offers suggestions for five computer-oriented classroom activities. They include uniting a writing class by having them collectively write a book using a word processor, examining FOR/NEXT loops, using a compound interest computer program, and developing a list of facts about computers. Includes four short programs which erase monitor screens. (JN)

Scores on tests of temperament, programming aptitude, and critical thinking, together with SCAT scores and a measure of mathematical background, were correlated with achievement on an introductory programming course. (MM)

Provided are descriptions of programing languages (BASIC, LOGO, Pascal, FORTH, Savvy). Included are two lists, one presenting sources of programing language tutorials (includes computer needed, price, language, additional hardware needed, special features) and the other presenting a buyer's guide to programs that teach programing. (JN)

Suggests that parents and teachers be alert to new programs that help children express their ideas and store information. Highlights several programs found in such disk magazines as "Window" and "Microzine," a word processing program (Bank Street Writer), and a program to create original arcade games (Rocky's Boots). (JN)

Describes subroutines in a group of assembly-level programs (program listings included) which provide the interface between a Basic, Pascal/Z, or JRT Pascal program and the BASE2/IDS-560 graphics printer. The interface can be easily modified for other printers and other languages. (JN)

Some aspects of animation that are on the Apple-microcomputer are presented. Shape tables are described and several programs that illustrate important concepts are included. The concept of animation is viewed as being very simple and the process is clearly detailed. (MP)

A computer simulation of the Buffon Needle Problem for estimating the value of pi is discussed. (MP)

Describes an interactive simulated hypothetical instructional computer that significantly improves the student's understanding of how a computer works and how high-level language constraints are handled by essentially simple machines. (Author/IRT)