Describes how to teach students to plan and write reports using software designed to facilitate information organization. Creating outlines and concept maps is discussed, examples are provided that use "Inspiration" software, and a list of software titles for outliners and concept mappers is provided. (Contains two references.) (LRW)

This critical review of 13 political science software simulations and tutorials rates the programs both by quality of presentation and by educational content. Courseware does have a truly interactive nature yet allows the student to be in an active mode of control. The software programs reviewed feature a variety of graphic, textual, and…

Describes use of the programing language "Logo" and the Apple II computer to teach high school students how to write extended definitions. By defining procedures in Logo for drawing simple geometric patterns, students learn that good definition requires precision, rewriting and, in complex tasks, recursion, an aspect of extended…

Relates one secondary geometry teacher's experiences learning and using the computer program "Geometer's Sketchpad." The article describes the program and provides examples of ways this teacher uses it in combination with more traditional teaching tools. (SM)

Pretests measuring problem-solving ability were administered to 71 students in a high school mathematics class. One group was given computer-augmented instruction; the other group was given instruction augmented by mathematics laboratory activities. Posttest results for problem-solving ability were mixed, but the group receiving computer-augmented…

The purpose of this training module is to introduce science teachers at the secondary level to effective applications of microcomputers for instruction and to provide information on the current state of science-related microcomputer courseware. Designed to provide for 12 presentation hours, the module is divided into seven sessions: (1) Realities…

Estimates calling for 1.2 million computer-assisted design (CAD) operator positions to be available by 1990 have prompted educational institutions throughout the country to incorporate instruction in CAD into their industrial arts curricula. Therefore, the question for schools is not whether to buy but rather what to buy. An effective strategy for…

Investigated were the interactions among instructional elements of 26 commercial courseware packages, 62 learning-disabled students (aged 9-18), and their seven teachers. Reported are teachers' strategies for introducing, augmenting, and integrating computer-based education into ongoing instructional arrangements. Teachers developed a variety of…

Presents a study to determine whether computer use in guided-discovery learning episodes would enhance the problem-solving ability of secondary school students (n=147). Results indicate interaction between low- and middle-level students' mathematical achievement and treatment groups, while high-level students performed well regardless of approach.…

This article investigates two common methods of determining the line of best fit and then expands on the techniques used in these methods to find the line of best fit by graphing, estimating and using a microcomputer. (PK)

Describes the use of three computer tools used to enhance the teaching and learning of algebra: the spreadsheet, LOGO, and computer algebra tools. Examines the strengths of each tool and presents practical considerations for their use. (MDH)

Study identified types of software applications and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) software chosen over three years by secondary mathematics teachers enrolled in a graduate level computers-in-education course. Subjects learned four relevant general computer applications and various CAI programs. They unanimously rejected drill and practice…

Designed to investigate whether or not science teachers can positively influence student achievement in, and attitude toward, science, this study focused on a specific teaching strategy and utilization of a computer-based simulation. The software package used in the study was the simulation, Volcanoes, by Earthware Computer Services. The sample…

Four commercially available instructional software programs for high school journalism students are examined in this paper, which also contains suggestions on their use. The four programs reviewed in the paper provide (1) practice in finding the best interview sources in a newsgathering simulation (Super Scoop); (2) review and reinforcement of…

The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to outline the issues involved in designing videodisc-based instruction to meet the needs of the public high school, and (2) to describe the approach being used in one project that is developing videodisc-based courseware for high school math and science instruction. The first of two major sections…