A teacher discusses how computers can be used in the classroom to increase individualization, motivation, and creativity. (DF)

The computer can be an effective mathematics teaching tool when combined with concrete learning materials. To be used properly in the classroom, the computer should emphasize thinking skills rather than repetitive drill and practice. (DF)

This article discusses how a school in Minnesota centralized its computer program into a lab situation taught by a teacher-computer specialist. Entire classes were instructed in word processing, programing with Logo, and modified drill and practice. Teachers were also involved in workshops to further computer literacy. (DF)

Students of all ages can apply what they have learned about symmetry by creating quilts on the computer using LOGO. The paper explains how to complete a computer quilting project. (SM)

Word processors can be used in the classroom to help teach both the mechanics of writing and the process as a whole. The computer can facilitate student/teacher conferencing, peer evaluation, peer collaboration, and purposeful writing. (DF)

Presents three ideas to help teachers who have only one computer for the entire classroom. The suggestions include having the teachers use the computer themselves to enhance productivity, hooking the computer up to a visual display, and looking for curriculum packages that inspire groups, not individuals. (SM)

Describes how teachers can help students improve their critical thinking skills by watching movie segments then writing and/or drawing what they think happened earlier or would happen later in the movie. A word processing or graphics program makes it easy to create written and graphic accounts. (SM)

Having students create personalized stationery is a good way to promote student writing. Children of all ages can design computer-generated stationery in just a few steps using predrawn or original graphics and a variety of typefaces. The article describes three programs that enable students to create stationery. (SM)

Computers may help students delve farther into social studies research topics. The role of the computer in database management is explored in this article. (DF)

Simple graphing activity helps primary students make the jump from counting concrete objects to understanding abstract symbols. As part of the activity, students vote for their favorite season, then stand up and become a graph of the data they collect. The activity requires the Graph Club Classroom Kit software program. (SM)

The article describes how to use a word processing program and add-on story starters for different genres to enhance elementary students' creative writing skills. Teachers input story starters, then students select a genre and add on a story version in that genre. Students can also develop their own story starters. (SM)

The computer can be used in the classroom to make writing tasks less formidable. The word processor allows the writer to make corrections with less effort than rewriting an entire paper. Students are better able to see an imbalance between what they write and what they intended when writing with a computer. (DF)

Presents suggestions for helping students learn about probability using coins and a simple spreadsheet. The article details how to brainstorm, gather the necessary data, prepare the spreadsheet, learn from the data, and extend the learning. (SM)

Children love writing and receiving personal messages. By setting up a mystery pen pal network in the classroom, elementary teachers can get students excited about writing. The article explains how to set up such a network using a computer and a word processing program. (SM)

Teachers can illustrate the relevance and power of good writing by having students write various kinds of letters throughout the year. The article describes such activities as writing thank-you notes, describing a dream vacation, getting published, and establishing pen pals. A student page is included. (SM)