This research-based review discusses effective computer applications for students with mental disabilities. Most computer-based instruction currently in use is of a drill-and-practice variety, which is needed to develop fluency in basic academic skills. Studies conducted on math fluency indicate that when students are using counting strategies to…

The effectiveness of computer-based handwriting exercises was compared with traditional pencil-and-paper instruction in remediating handwriting difficulties. Students in grades 4-6 with poor handwriting received either computer-based, conventional, or computer-assisted conventional instruction. The traditional group improved significantly more…

Written from a variety of perspectives, the 13 articles in this journal issue focus on the use of the computer in teaching English. Specific topics discussed in the articles are as follows: the era of the microcomputer, by R. Baird Shuman; pedagogical issues involving computers, by Duane Roen and Margaret Fleming; computer rhetoric at the…

This in-depth review of the literature synthesizes articles and abstracts identified as education-oriented microcomputer research studies published since 1979. A brief, historic overview of educational computing is followed by a review of the Becker (1983) survey, which concerned the distribution of microcomputers in education in the United…

Reviews ways that the word processor makes the language experience approach easier for teachers and students. (FL)

Discusses a computer assisted learning system for engineering statistics based on personalized system of instruction methods. Describes the system's network, development, course structure, programing, and security. Lists the benefits of the system. (MVL)

Describes how microcomputers are used to teach science, mathematics, and computer literacy in a two-year course for secondary students in San Diego. Skills are reinforced through drill and practice, simulations, and program writing. Specific skills and the sequence in which they are taught are discussed. (AM)

Designed to reveal some of the strengths and weaknesses of microtechnology in the language arts, this book suggests how and where microcomputers might have applications or implications in the language arts curriculum. The first chapter of the book discusses practical problems facing language arts teachers in developing classroom computer programs,…

The ease of authoring new computer materials for micros and pre-programed menu-driven systems, which allows classroom instructors to design programs directly related to classroom objectives and activities, has helped to alleviate the problems of software shortage for computer assisted instruction (CAI) in reading. One college instructor has…

Ten guidelines for the reading teacher to aid in finding programs that will become an indispensable part of reading activities in the classroom. (CRH)

Noting that many elements of the English classroom--printed books, paper, pens, and typewriters--now considered indispensable were once innovations in technology, the articles in this focused journal issue explore the impact of electronic technologies on the English classroom and how to adapt those technologies to instruction. The essays deal with…

The use of computers in higher education instruction is addressed from a pedagogical point of view and is intended as a guide to the integration of computers into instruction in ways that will fulfill the technology's promise and avoid its problems. After an introductory section on the promises and problems of computers, Part One ("Enriching…

Articles in this journal issue focus on computer applications for the English classroom. Following an introduction (Ken Davis), the seven articles discuss the following topics: (1) the computer as an administrative, instructional, and research aide for English teachers (Brian D. Monahan); (2) computer technology and the writing teacher (Sandra J.…

Educational videodiscs can provide effective instruction, but the cost of hardware needed to perform the desired system functions have been a limiting factor in videodisc use in the classroom. However, many videodisc applications can be adequately and effectively approached with much less than the ideal system, and very little attention has been…

A major topic of interest for teachers participating in a graduate course in reading and computers was the application of word processing to facilitate reading and writing instruction. The course strategy for learning about computers and reading and writing instruction involved identifying helpful articles for theoretical background and practical…