Micro theory can be used to reveal aspects of individualization that should be controlled in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) curriculum. Global theory is useful in evaluating educational projects as long as the individuals involved are similar in characteristics. (JN)

Business education teachers must be prepared to apply the new computer technology effectively in their classrooms. A relevant secondary education curriculum must be achieved, aiming at two computer education goals: computer literacy and career preparation in information/data/word/computer processing. (CT)

The administration of computing on university campuses is seen as becoming increasingly complex. A survey sent to a cross-section of computer centers is discussed. It gathered information on reporting structures, hardware and staff considerations, and public v private university modes of operation. (Author/MLW)

A description is given of a supplemental unit for a primary level computer literacy class in which a play is produced with all students taking roles as parts of a computer. (MP)

The feasibility of replacing existing central processing units with a single computer facility is discussed. An analysis of the computing facilities for the Iowa state universities is presented and supports the retention of decentralized facilities. Efficiency, costs, and operating considerations are examined. (SF)

The Supreme Court is faced with some difficult issues with a common origin in disagreement between the Patent and Trademark Office and the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals over the code that defines what things are and are not patentable. The patent concerns of the computer software and molecular biology fields are addressed. (JMD)

Explains scientific writing processes and describes a trial at Victoria University (Australia) that introduced Computer Science students to the task of technical and scientific writing, including the process of peer review. Includes reports on student attitudes gathered through anonymous surveys. (Author/LRW)

Describes the initial implementation and evaluation of an online environment designed to support a collaborative programming task among undergraduate students and provide them with experiential learning. Explains a holistic, context-based approach to evaluating the success of the innovation, together with the framework used for conducting the…

Describes a project at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey to encourage women to enroll in courses with a large computer technology component and to enable those women to be successful when they take computing courses. Explains the development of a first-year seminar that was created to improve women's computer skills. (LRW)

A study of college students revealed weaknesses in learning strategies and metacognitive skills. The students' experience using LOOPS simulation software to create program loops suggests that computer programming coursework may have substantial value for non-majors. (LRW)

Proposes that to bridge today's gender gap in computing, prior approaches need to integrate appeals to girls' traditional and nontraditional interests, and focus content more clearly on learning about computer design itself. A test of this strategy obtained significant increases in the treatment group's interest in, sense of relevancy of, and…

Describes a case study approach to teaching database design principles to undergraduate students that is based on a library database. Topics discussed include database management systems, relational models, entity relationship models, many-to-many relationships, normalization, and producing a working database. (three references) (LRW)

The relationship of an expert-system-scored constrained free-response item type to multiple-choice and free-response items was studied using data for 614 students on the College Board's Advanced Placement Computer Science (APCS) Examination. Implications for testing and the APCS test are discussed. (SLD)

Determines that the complexity of syntax does not significantly affect reading comprehension of native and non-native English speakers when reading technical writing. Finds no significant differences between subgroups reading an authentic computer science text and those reading a syntactically adapted text, either in comprehension or in speed. (MG)

Thirty-nine adult computer novices in Denmark were interviewed and observed to determine the nature of their global understanding of information technology. Three assessment types, three coping strategies, and four categorical frameworks for understanding were identified. A new methodology for testing the validity of qualitative analyses is…