Discusses the author's experiences in designing and implementing a self-paced introductory sociology course. Describes development of an interactive testing program and details of course design. Concludes, that in this instance, self-pacing proved to be undesirable because of students' inability to monitor themselves and a continuing decline in…

Graham Davies'"Using Computers in Language Learning" is a useful guide to programming languages, authoring systems, exercise formats, etc., for a teacher contemplating the use of computers for language learning. But much of text refers to British sources, and underlying assumption is that computers are best suited for mechanical drill.…

This article outlines issues and practices related to the philosophy of simulations and the relationship between traditional simulation techniques and computer technology. Introduces the articles in this special issue and concludes by discussing various problems related to computer simulation, modeling, design, and evaluation. (Author/BSR)

Describes how the International Futures Global Model (IFS) was developed for education and theory building. States that the model represents global demographic, agricultural, energy, and economic systems. Describes the two existing versions: a smaller one developed specifically for microcomputers and a larger one initially developed for mainframe…

Much of the current literature on the topic of discrete mathematics and calculus during the first two years of an undergraduate mathematics curriculum is cited. A relationship between the recursive integration formulas and recursively defined polynomials is described. A Pascal program is included. (Author/RH)

Presented are ideas for teaching mathematics with a microcomputer. Ideas include using Apple II Logo to help select students for activities (Wheel of Fortune) and activities to explore how the programming operates. (RH)

Reviews a dissertation in which the problems of real-time pitch detection by computer were studied in an attempt to develop a learning tool for sightsinging students. Specialized hardware and software were developed to discriminate aural pitches and to display them in real-time using standard notation. (BSR)

This study examined effects of computer-assisted instruction on decision making, assertiveness, and interpersonal communication related to responsible sexuality. Health science classes from four secondary schools in three midwestern states participated in the study. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)

Describes commercial examples of computerized adventure games that have much to offer language learning. Features for such a program are suggested, and the means by which these programs can be modified for instructional purposes are discussed. (Author/CB)

Discusses the concepts of instructional theory and their application in the design of instructional and training packages, particularly computer-assisted instruction programs. (12 references) (CLB)

Reports that professional writing students using computers wrote significantly better papers than their counterparts in traditional classrooms. Attributes the success of this study (other studies have failed to find significant differences) to the population of skilled, motivated, upper-level students and consistent use of computers from planning…

Describes two activities designed to help students evaluate potential definitions of learning. The first activity involves discussion of 10 events which may or may not be learning experiences; the second is a computer program that simulates problem solving and appears to fit most definitions of learning. (Author/GEA)

By using the computer resources of a university in a pilot project, preservice teachers were able to gain direct teaching experience with small groups, while inservice teachers were able to carry out their own research in educational computing. The advantages and drawbacks of the project are discussed. (Author/MT)

Describes the development and objectives of a personal computer program to help journalism students learn word processing at Syracuse (New York) University. (HTH)

Reports results of a study indicating that increasing computer time from one and a half hours to three hours per week did not improve the quality of students' newswriting, and suggesting that departments with small capital budgets need not necessarily invest huge amounts in computer terminals for every student. (HTH)