Project LIVE, Learning through Interactive Video Education, featured the use of an instructional technology combining computer assisted instruction and educational video in a life enhancement skill curriculum. Three pilot studies of its use with special education adolescents and young adults are reviewed. (CL)

Computer-based instruction seems to improve learning process when rules of effective instruction are followed. Rewards include reinforcement from use of machine itself; content being taught; student's control of program; and external sources of support. Of these outside sources, the most important is probably the peer group. (MBR)

Addresses considerations related to the use of microcomputers in special education (e.g., costs, staff development, and determination of how computers can be used most effectively). Offers examples of successful computer applications. Finds computers especially valuable in helping handicapped students to communicate, in developing self-confidence,…

Discusses the question of whether one must know how to program in order to make the most effective use of the computer in language classes. Looks at four computer languages which may be of interest to language teachers who want to learn programing: BASIC, assembler, high-level languages, and authoring systems. (SED)

Presents the results of a recent survey of microcomputer use in economics departments in United Kingdom universities and polytechnic schools. The BBC B and IBM PC were the first and second most popular machines, respectively. Eighty-five per cent of the use was secretarial with Wordstar and Wordwise being the most popular word processing packages.…

Investigated effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on learning efficiency, defined as either higher passing percentage or less time on task. Subjects (N=24) were college mathematics students who either were lectured or had a CAI tutorial on the lowest common denominator. The CAI group took less time, but solved more problems incorrectly.…

Arguing that a well designed graphical display can function as a memory store, this article suggests three principles for the design and use of computer graphics: parsimony, accessibility, and reflection. It is suggested that "progressive graphics" are particularly suited to computer implementation. (Author/MBR)

Advocates the use of databases and simulations in social studies classrooms. Maintains that quality instruction, both before and after computer use, determines the quality of the learning experience. Provides titles of several simulation and database products. (JDH)

The interactive feature of computers is used to incorporate a guided inquiry method of learning introductory economics, extending the Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) method beyond drills. (Author/JDH)

Evaluated the use of computer assisted instruction in teaching Fortran 77 in the College of Engineering at Oregon State University. Also investigated the effect of such factors as mathematics and computer programming background on student performance in an introductory programming course sequence. (JN)

A literature search was conducted to examine the development of computer-based instructional (CBI) materials in higher education and CBI's impact on learning processes. Indicates that although CBI may not replace traditional methods of engineering instruction, it does offer significant advantages. These advantages are discussed. (JN)

Outlines a set of criteria for use by teachers in selecting and evaluating educational software. (FL)

Discusses a rationale for developing behavioral objects for the introduction of computers and other information technologies into advertising classes. Explores specific objectives, and provides examples to illustrate incorporating them into the advertising curriculum. (HTH)

Presents 12 points to consider before buying computer software and includes an annotated list of software for use at the secondary school level. (HOD)

Offers guidelines developed by the Computer Technology and Reading Committee of the International Reading Association that encourage the effective use of technology in reading classrooms. (HOD)