PLATO has become a successful method for computer-based education in a statics course since it offers diversified teaching/learning activities as well as alternative ways to teach content and exercise skills. Advantages for student learning are discussed, course guidelines are given, and a description of the course's computer graphics is provided.…

Claims that exhortations about the need for "computer literacy" have much in common with longer standing debates about literacy itself; that both kinds of discussion usually rest on a serious misconception of technology and its roles in history; and that the issues can be best understood by situating them within the evolution of the present…

Offers 10 suggestions to help teachers avoid the pitfalls encountered by unknowing software purchasers. Suggestions include checking for compatibility, determining objectives, testing for material sequence, and reading the documentation. (FL)

The author describes a project designed to assess visual, auditory and tactile access to microcomputers for curricular, vocational, and leisure time use by visually handicapped youth. Criteria are proposed to evaluate software for use in computer assisted instruction. (CL)

The article examines constraints imposed by school environments and impacts of systematic microcomputer-administered testing. Considered are physical integration of the microcomputer in the classroom, scheduling factors, hardware malfunctioning, pupil and teacher characteristics. The authors suggest tempering enthusiasm regarding computer-based…

The paper provides an overview of the uses of software for teaching language arts, mathematics and thinking skills to hearing impaired students. Content area programs are listed with descriptive information, price, and developer name. (Author/CL)

An interactive video social skills training program resulted in significantly higher peer acceptance of mildly handicapped elementary students in experimental group rather than in control group. (CL)

The paper explains how interactive video can be used to create a special type of software that combines the best features of videotape (motion and color) and computer-assisted instruction. A rationale for interactive video is provided, and a sample lesson described. (Author/CL)

In 1981, the British government allocated 1.1 million pounds to introduce a trial computer-based learning (CBL) program to the nation's education system. Following a 2-year pilot project, a CBL Unit was formed to build on the success of the initial experiment. The unit coordinator describes this on-going project. (JN)

Compares "computer based learning" in Europe with "computer assisted instruction" in the United States, noting that, in spite of the connotations of the names, the teacher is the primary beneficiary of software in Europe while the student is the primary beneficiary of software in the U.S. (HTH)

A Special Teacher Education and Evaluation Laboratory (STEEL) uses technology to enhance the quality of instruction, keep up-to-date records of student progress, record and analyze student teaching behavior, and develop computer applications coursework. Detailed descriptions of the STEEL's goals, objectives, and applications are provided, and the…

Teachers have a number of legitimate concerns about the uses of educational technology, although teachers of severely handicapped students are seeing an increase in the use of microtechnology with their students. Recommendations to increase and validate the educational applications of microcomputers are made. (MT)

Describes a high school yearbook paste-up project that used phototypesetting by means of a computer connected to a typesetting firm. (FL)

Discusses areas in the undergraduate curriculum that are important due to recent technological changes (such as contributing effectively to group projects and the ability to take advantage of continuing education opportunities). Examines possible responses to these areas, focusing on the role of computers and on the mathematics curriculum. (JN)

Describes the use of an instructional module used to introduce college students to a combined mathematical modeling and normative analysis approach to the investigation of public policy issues. The module, which was designed to bridge several courses and combined independent work with discussions, was judged to be successful in promoting…