Reports on a research study which investigated the nature of preschool children's choices concerning computer-based learning activities. Notes that the results failed to show evidence of calculated goal setting or progression from easier to more difficult learning tasks. Discusses implications for software development. (RKM)

Description of research activities in the field of instructional technology in Latin America highlights distance education, microcomputers, educational radio, learning strategies and study habits, and instructional development models and design of textbooks. Problem areas discussed include students' role, cognitive styles, and effectiveness, and…

Contends that the major use and promise of computer aided learning (CAL) lies in the provision of secondary teaching support such as simulations, interactive tutorials, and similar activities. Reviews the uses and benefits of CAL in demonstrations, experiments, exercises, and interactive tutorials. (ML)

Reviews three softwre packages: "Molecular Graphics on the Apple Microcomputer, Enhanced Version 2.0"; "Molecular Graphics on the IBM PC Microcomputer"; and "Molecular Animator, IBM PC Version." Packages are rated based on ease of use, subject matter content, pedagogic value, and student reaction. (CW)

Describes the monolingual nature of the United States in a multilingual world. Proposes a partial solution--a National Foreign Language Center which would utilize current technology to allow quick access to information about any language. (LMO)

Described is an interface system between LEGO construction toys and LOGO prgramming language. This LEGO TC Logo project used animated toys constructed by children in elementary school classrooms and controlled via Apple computers. (CW)

Argues that the type of calculator that is used in mathematics instruction is very important. Suggests that four-function calculators fail to give correct values of mathematical expressions far more often than do scientific calculators. (PK)

Discusses the ethics of computer use within school counseling, addressing such ethical concerns as dignity and confidentiality. Finds that the ethical use of computers requires the counselor to (1) use the computer with discrimination, and (2) actively advocate computer use that promotes the rights and privacy of students. (MM)

Considers computer-based technology as a change agent for methodological emphasis in the use of language learning applications; examines the issues of language learning methodology, the relationship of methodology and computer-based technology, and changes in institutional learning environments; and highlights some of the computer-aided language…

Describes the use of Appleworks to maintain classroom records of student scores. Discusses labeling, computing, sums, averages, maximum/minimum scores, and numeric grade, as well as initializing the gradebook and how to enter scores. (JM)

The article identifies characteristics of children with moderate learning difficulties, relates these characteristics to features of educational technology, and lists strengths and weaknesses of computer assisted learning. The need for educational technology to compliment good teaching and not merely computerize outdated practices is stressed. (DB)

Identifies themes in this special issue on educational technology: emergence of new educational technology definition; pervasiveness of educational technology throughout world; importance of context in applying educational technology to problem solving; and new information technologies' role in altering organizational structure and teachers'…

Discusses new possibilities that computers and laser printers offer instructional technologists. Includes a brief history of printed communications, a description of new technological advances referred to as "desktop publishing," and suggests the application of this technology to instructional tasks. (TW)

Describes rationale underlying a module offered at Queens University, Belfast, whose systematic approach derived from educational technology enables librarians to identify objectives, select appropriate content and methods, implement, evaluate, and improve user education and staff training programs. The way this course has been conducted and its…

Provides lesson plans for using popular software (Oregon Trail and the PFS U. S. History Database) and selected instructional television programs for integration into instruction on the westward movement. (JDH)