Extensively reviews Hypercard, a multifaceted software package for the Macintosh. HyperCard uses a language called "hypertext" which was patterned after everyday language and designed to allow flexibility in the linking and manipulation of text, graphics, and sounds. Describes one use for Hypercard in an advanced course on Latin American…

Learning about the physical environment from computer simulation models is discussed in terms of three stages: exploration, experimentation, and calibration. Discusses the effective use of models and presents two computer simulations written in BBC BASIC, STORFLO (for catchment hydrology) and SLOPEK (for hillslope evolution). (Author/GEA)

Arbitrary, randomly-generated evaluative feedback given learners (such as "good,""great," or "fantastic") is pedagogically unsound. Programers of educational computer software should consider all the psychological effects of the evaluative feedback given in their programs. Programing alternatives that allow the…

Reviews the uses of DEMOS, a set of demographic computer simulations which can be used to improve instruction in introductory sociology courses. Gives examples of both interactive and noninteractive exercises, concluding that DEMOS is easy to use and enjoyable, with approximately 90 percent of students recommending its continued use. (GEA)

Investigators explored the potential of a computer-assisted mathematics diagnosis and remediation program to identify preservice teachers lacking minimum competency. Students who participated in remediation averaged a 21 percent increase in achievement regardless of the method of the course. (JOW)

Examines arguments both for and against using computer-assisted learning (CAL) techniques in the development of reading skills, covering the advantages of control, interaction, power, and versatility. CAL's disadvantages include affective demands, logistics, and methodological limitations. (Author/CB)

Discusses some of the larger cultural obstacles to the transfer of computer-assisted language learning, including learner aspects as attitudes toward computer learning and administrative aspects such as perceived importance of second-language learning. (Author/CB)

Discusses a program in Belgium which studied the use of computers as teaching devices for economics and business education in secondary schools. Describes three courses in which the computer is used as a source of information, as a tool for computer assisted instruction, and as a tool for simulation. (GEA)

Describes in a tongue-in-cheek manner a new computer software program that offers encouragement to freshman composition students. (NKA)

Presents guidelines for selecting computer equipment and appropriate software for children of preschool and early elementary school age (3- to 6-years-old.) (BB)

The group setting of the classroom constitutes a social experience that helps shape a child's view of the world. This paper explores how individual-oriented computer assisted instruction might influence how a child construes the world. (MT)

Examines characteristics of 50 frequently cited authors in the field of computer applications to education (CAE). Citation analysis used in the study is discussed, a taxonomy of topics in CAE based upon the writings of these authors is developed, and a comparison is made with data from the Social Science Citation Index. (LRW)

Emphasizes what computers can do for social studies and how technology can contribute to educational goals. Technology can affect education through access to information, problem solving, perspectives on the world, and active and social learning. Technology can supplement other methods to transform the intellectual and social context of education.…

Exploratory study aimed to investigate elements of geometrical concepts that children learn through Logo programing. A test designed to assess three components of length and angle was administered to 84 children who had learned Logo for one year and 92 who had not. Data indicated a positive effect of Logo work on some items, but not all.…

There is a need for abstracting topography other than for mapping purposes. The method employed should be simple and available to non-specialists, thereby ruling out spline representations. Generalizing from univariate first-degree least squares and from multiple regression, this article introduces bivariate polynomial functions fitted by least…