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)

Points out that the secret of successful Logo teaching appears to lie in knowing when to intervene and when not to. Sample programs and instructional sessions are included to illustrate when to intervene without intercepting student discovery. (JN)

A study to identify instructional methodologies that business educators (n=167) use to teach microcomputer software skills found that demonstrations, simulations, and self-paced learning are most effective; most acquire skills through self-instruction; educators are likely to teach the way they learned; and there is a need for training in…

Introduces a flexible, versatile notetaking system, BASIC Microcomputer Notes, which helps college students preorganize notes to systematically record most unique types of information (program statement numbers, verbatim computer commands, subroutines, flowcharts, and diagrams) presented in a beginning microcomputer programing course. (MBR)

Three-Key Logo is a useful method for introducing young children to Logo because it does not require numbers skills and eliminates typing slow-down. Briefly outlines the method and provides an exercise which may be duplicates for classroom use. (JN)

Provides information on Logo, a powerful computer language that allows students to control their own learning. Includes list of available Logo and Turtle Graphics programs (publisher, manufacturer, hardware requirements, software/print materials, and price included). Cautions buyers to beware of imitations which may not support all Logo features…

Making Cryptograms is designed to give middle grade students practice in using the FIND and REPLACE features on their word processors. An activity sheet (which may be duplicated for class use) is provided. Instructional strategies are also provided. (JN)

Presents activities for language arts, differentiating between a variable name and its value, creating music using PILOT, and playing LOGO games. Includes the article "Take the Turtle to School: A Child's View of Programming" by Jack McLeod. (JN)

Six practical computer-oriented classroom activities are presented. They include making cryptograms using the search-and-replace function of word processors, making a frame for a Logo picture, examining Atari POKE commands, and comparing equivalent commands on different microcomputers. Also indicates the usefulness of marking on monitors with…

This resource guide for teachers suggests activities for 20 instructional sessions for elementary children, particularly those in grades 3-6, to introduce them to the LOGO computer language. It can be used with five LOGO versions: Apple, Atari, MIT, Texas Instruments, and TRS. For each session, the guide covers objectives, concepts/skills,…

Described is an interface system between LEGO construction toys and LOGO prgramming language. This LEGO TC Logo project used animated toys constructed by children in elementary school classrooms and controlled via Apple computers. (CW)

Summarized are six journal articles from five journals published in 1988. Included is one article which summarizes other studies. Sources of other similar articles are listed and discussed. Topics noted here include BASIC programing, computer-based instruction, student preparation, text density, and teacher workload. (CW)

A task force on the use of computers in instruction was appointed by the Maryland Deputy State Superintendent of Schools to respond to requests of state local education agencies for assistance with computer education. One result of the deliberations of that group is this paper, which establishes the programmatic definition for a comprehensive…

Describes a study of high school teachers in Taiwan that was conducted to determine how computers were used for instruction and learning; how teachers taught with and about computers; teachers' attitudes and opinions; and differences between boys', girls', and coeducational schools in the instructional uses of computers. (nine references) (LRW)

Presents the underlying ideas of the Software Cost Reduction (SCR) approach to requirements specifications. Results of applying this approach to the teaching of programing to high school students indicate that students perform better in writing programs. An appendix provides two examples of how the method is applied to problem solving. (MDH)