The chapters in this book were written by teachers to share strategies they have found effective in the mathematics classroom. Most describe a teaching idea or activity in sufficient detail for other teachers in elementary, middle, and secondary schools to be able to use it. The chapters concern: manipulative materials, developing a mathematics…

The expert systems are designed to imitate the reasoning of a human expert in a content area field. Designed to be advisors, these software systems combine the content area knowledge and decision-making ability of an expert with the user's understanding and knowledge of particular circumstances. The reading diagnosis system, the RD2P System…

Intended to help composition teachers take advantage of current advances in word processing technology, this booklet demonstrates how teachers can create computer lesson files for students that incorporate findings from research on effective writing instruction and allow students to develop, shape, and revise their own writing at the computer…

Since there are similarities between the process of writing computer programs and the process of writing successful expository prose, a student's knowledge of computer programing can contribute to the understanding of some principles of composition. The establishment of a clear objective is the first priority of both the writer and the programer,…

Noting the increase in the number of teachers developing computer software for composition instruction, this paper explores the issues that are shaping the direction of computer assistance in writing instruction. The first half of the paper deals with specific questions teachers must consider as they design software. These are divided into…

A study was devised, using 20 undergraduate students chosen at random from an introductory psychology course, to measure the teaching effectiveness of two computer tutorials oriented to the spreadsheet portion of Appleworks. The first tutorial provided a data disk with pre-entered data for the user to manipulate, but no error correction…

Q methodology, a theory-based research technique begun by William Stephenson, permits a scientific approach to the study of subjective ideas, and proves useful in studying intrapersonal communication processes in a variety of contexts. The Q-sort, which incorporates Q methodology into a measure, allows respondents to sort statements (pictures or…

This booklet, the first of a four-unit series on computer literacy, provides general guidance on establishing and conducting computer literacy courses, whether as components of other courses or as free-standing courses. An overview of computer literacy in the context of education and training and of guidelines for its implementation is followed by…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the field of scientific inquiry concerned with designing machine systems that can simulate human mental processes. The field draws upon theoretical constructs from a wide variety of disciplines, including mathematics, psychology, linguistics, neurophysiology, computer science, and electronic engineering. Some of the…

Current approaches in developing and applying computer assisted instruction in language arts are described in this paper, which presents diverse positions along a continuum of perspectives and draws contrasts between a reductionist or subskill approach and a whole language emphasis. The paper discusses three predominant computer applications in…

Routines developed for an ongoing course in research methods and statistics provides examples of the custom instructional applications that can be created using extended BASIC and a light pen, including title and transition displays, progressive disclosure, animation, overlays, and simulations. Strengths of this technique are reviewed. (MBR)

Discussion of methods that can be used to teach beginner courses in computer literacy focuses on students aged 10-12. The value of using a programing language versus using a generic software package is highlighted; Logo and Prolog are reviewed; and the use of databases is discussed. (LRW)

Describes a set of computer-based learning modules designed to teach nonscientists to think and reason like scientists. Discusses the intent of the 10 dialogs in this series. Gives ideas for use in science classes. (CW)

Using three new computer software programs in conjunction with role playing and class discussion, teachers introduce students to the stock market, Wall Street, economics, and business while simultaneously teaching computer applications. Each program and its classroom application are discussed; companies to contact are listed. (JL)

Describes the creation of the computer program "BOUNCE," designed to simulate a weighted piston coming into equilibrium with a cloud of bouncing balls. The model follows the ideal gas law. Utilizes the critical event technique to create the model. Discusses another program, "BOOM," which simulates a chain reaction. (CW)