Offers such teaching activities as a one-line program contest, field trips, examining job openings in newspapers, and a writing activity speculating what would happen if robots did not follow Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics." Includes "Logo Goes to High School" by E. Paul Goldenberg, discussing problem-solving tasks…

Presented are sources of information on a wide range of topics related to microcomputers in general and chemistry in particular. Sources described include "Journal of Chemical Education,""Collegiate Microcomputer,""SIAM News,""Creative Computing,""Byte," and others. Types of articles/information found in these publications are briefly considered.…

Discusses the current microcomputer revolution, focusing on issues related to equal accessibility to the vast array of information technologies that are currently transforming our society. A comparison of schools which have and do not have microcomputers is included. (JN)

Describes "Josef," a robot programing language similar to the LOGO turtle language, which has been designed as an instructional system through which the algorithmic problem-solving skills required in computer programing can be developed and tested in a controlled learning environment. Four figures and a reference list are included. (JL)

The proliferation of personal computers in home/schools and use of computer chips in educational toys has led to a rethinking of ideas about education and fun, and ways the two can combine to provide youngsters with enjoyable and profitable learning experiences. Provides examples of commercially available computer-oriented educational toys/games.…

Discusses issues related to possible health hazards associated with viewing video display terminals. Includes some findings of the 1979 NIOSH report on Potential Hazards of Video Display Terminals indicating level of radiation emitted is low and providing recommendations related to glare and back pain/muscular fatigue problems. (JN)

Different ways to use a microcomputer in mathematics instruction are examined. The first part deals with the kinds of prerecorded programing resources available, and how these can be used effectively. The second part briefly looks at some simple programing activities that can be used within the context of mathematics instruction. (MP)

Discusses development of a computer science education course for teachers leading to a Diploma in Professional Studies in Education (Computer Education). Includes course aims/content, selection of candidates, and experiences during the first year the course was taught. (JN)

Discusses the role and use of color in instructional computing. Suggests teachers consider: (1) how color symbolically represents content and reinforces organization of lessons; (2) how color enhances a lesson's style and short/long-term memory; and (3) cost of classroom color computer assisted lessons. (Author/JN)

Ahl's questions about computers are investigated to determine if items could be used as scale to measure student beliefs about computers. Based on results of two samples--31 college students majoring in computer science and 109 students taking biology course--a 17-item scale was developed. Eight references are listed. (EJS)

"Big Business" is a series of computer simulations designed to give players a chance to compete in the practical world of business and finance. The basic elements of the simulations and versions designed for home use, middle school students, and high school students are described. (Author/JN)

"Lemonade" is one in a series of simulations designed to permit exploration of elementary concepts in economics. The nature of the simulation, problem-solving skills fostered, and suggestions for use of the program in the classroom are discussed. (Author/JN)

Discusses the rationale for sharing courseware between educators, describes the problems of hardware incompatibility associated with software sharing, and introduces a multilingual interpreter system which allows instructional software implemented in different computer languages and on different machines to be shared with a minimum of work. A…

The author looks at what self-taught computer whiz kids--primarily middle-class boys--find so fascinating about their hobby and what they accomplish with computers. She draws implications for schools about the motivational effects of computers and the need for teaching computer literacy. (SJL)

A method is detailed for introducing computer usage into any course in a medical curriculum and concomitantly stimulating student utilization of such technology. It is felt medicine will rely more heavily upon computer uses in the future, and that familiarity with computer technology provides confidence and competence in physician usage. (MP)