A random sample of 79 secondary agriculture instructors in Kansas was asked about microcomputer use and their perceptions of conditions inhibiting the implementation of microcomputers. High use was indicated, especially of telecommunications. Lack of time and funding for equipment were inhibiting factors. (JOW)

A survey of 212 secondary vocational agriculture teachers attempted to determine the current level and types of use of microcomputers in vocational agriculture programs nationwide. Sixty-two percent of the respondents indicated that they use a computer in their work. (CH)

The author discusses the types of computer hardware and software necessary to set up a desktop publishing system, both for use in educational administration and for instructional purposes. Classroom applications of desktop publishing are presented. The author also provides guidelines for preparing to teach desktop publishing. (CH)

This report reviews eight IBM-compatible software packages that are available to secondary schools to teach computer-aided drafting (CAD). Software packages to be considered were selected following reviews of CAD periodicals, computers in education periodicals, advertisements, and recommendations of teachers. The packages were then rated by…

A survey of 91 vocational agriculture teachers was completed to determine the extent and quality of microcomputer use in secondary agriculture classes. Topics covered include (1) teachers' experience, (2) equipment availability, (3) content being taught by computer, and (4) uses other than instruction. (CH)

Presents a study that introduces data logging using portable computers as part of an investigative approach to science. Working with control and experimental classes of 14- and 16-year-olds, results suggest that data logging can have an impact on graphing skills at age 14 which is not necessarily repeatable at age 16. (Author/AIM)

Interviews with 22 high-school special education teachers, 24 mildly handicapped adolescents, and 8 administrators found that almost half of the teachers were not using microcomputers. Teachers with at least one computer in their classroom were more likely to use computers and have positive attitudes toward computers. Predominant uses included…

Describes the use of microcomputers in physics experiments to extend powers of observation, increase the accuracy of measurements taken, and obtain large amounts of high quality information, especially continuous and rapidly changing/moving data. Discusses software for interfacing a microcomputer with mechanics experiments. (JRH)

Discussion of how palmtop computers were used in an English secondary school over the course of a year focuses on the perceived effectiveness of such computers in an educational setting and on how teachers' and students' knowledge and use of content-free applications increased over time. (Author/LRW)

Designed to assist educators in planning for technological changes in secondary schools, this report presents the findings of a survey conducted in May 1989 to obtain information on the use of microcomputers in Oregon's classrooms. A 46-item questionnaire was mailed to the principals, computer coordinators, and heads of academic departments at 21…

The Discipline Monitoring System (DMS) is a computer-assisted model allowing individual secondary schools to analyze their disciplinary actions. The Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland) adopted this model to manipulate the following data: who is suspended, who is referred, who makes referrals, characteristics of these persons, and events…

Originally marketed as a personal organizer for mobile business executives and ardent technophiles, the handheld computer is beginning to catch educators' notice. A handful of school districts are piloting large-scale use of these portable devices, ranging in price from $149 to $450. (MLH)

A number of noninstructional factors appear to determine the extent to which computers make a difference in writing instruction. Once computers have been purchased and installed, it is generally school administrators who make management decisions, often from an uninformed pedagogical orientation. Issues such as what hardware and software to buy,…

Discusses the reasons for careful evaluation of students' programs by a skilled programmer. Suggests that grades for programs must be partly based on quality factors such as clarity, organization, conciseness, and maintainability. (ASK)

Describes a way to use computers in teaching chemistry, in this case in a demonstration lesson on supercooling using a thermister in a game port to interface the computer with cooling phenyl salicylate. Discusses the advantages over the traditional method of instruction. (CW)