The ability of at-risk and handicapped infants and toddlers to interact with microcomputers was studied. One research phase focused on the parameters (motor, language, and cognitive developmental levels) for using the microcomputer. The overall project examines eight levels of use culminating in using a menu driven program for making choices to…

The usefulness of microcomputers for teaching social science research methods has been the subject of numerous articles. This article describes how microcomputers can be used to teach public policy content, particularly topics involving controversial issues. The discussion is organized into four sections. Section 1, "Four Important Elements,"…

The purpose of the project described in this report was to investigate the feasibility of interactive microcomputer/videotape software for use in Texas vocational agriculture programs. An extensive literature review was conducted to determine the value of videotaped and interactive videotaped lessons and to check what equipment and programs were…

Because of its ability to record and represent process, the computer can provide a powerful, motivating, and as yet untapped tool for focusing the students' attention directly on their own thought processes and learning through reflection. Properly abstracted and structured, the computational medium can capture the processes by which a novice or…

Descriptions of the problem-solving strategies of experts solving realistic, computer-generated transmission genetics problems are presented in this paper and implications for instruction are discussed. Seven experts were involved in the study. All of the experts had a doctoral degree and experience in both teaching and doing research in genetics.…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two modes of computer-assisted instruction, simulation and tutorial, upon the ability of preservice elementary teachers to understand relationships between a number of concepts dealing with home energy. A number of instruments measuring various dimensions of learning style differences were…

A study was carried out at Pennsylvania State University to examine the effects of both textual and computer animated orienting activities--i.e., mediators through which new information is presented to the learner--and practice on the application and problem solving skills of elementary school students. It was hypothesized that students provided…

Factors that distinguish the United States higher education system and its performance are considered, with attention to new developments, propsects for change, undergraduate education, and professional schools (especially law, business, and medicine). The way universities change the methods and content of their teaching in response to new…

A summary is provided of the activities and outcomes of Irvine Valley College's (IVC's) CompuEnglish Project, a program designed to introduce word processing skills in Freshman Composition classes and assess improvements in student writing. First, introductory material describes efforts in computer-based composition undertaken at other schools,…

Executive summaries are provided of a variety of projects undertaken by the Maricopa Community Colleges related to the use of technology, and to the staff and students in the district. Reports are presented for the following activities and plans: (1) Maricopa Community Colleges/Digital Equipment Corporation/Information Associates Partnership, a…

This guide is intended to assist industrial arts/technology education teachers in helping students in grades K-12 understand the impact of computers and computer technology in the world. Discussed in the introductory sections are the ways in which computers have changed the face of business, industry, and education and training; the scope and…

Developed to aid intermediate-level teachers and principals in initiating and developing computer literacy programs for their students, this document is a guide for the development of a one-semester course--Introduction to Computing--for the seventh and eighth grades. The course is designed to provide opportunities for students to develop computer…

Arguing that curriculum developers need to seek a better understanding of existing classroom orders before advising reform through new technology, this paper presents a review of research on the effects of microcomputers on the stabilities of classroom practice and describes a pilot study currently underway at Queens University in Ontario to…

This report presents the results of a survey conducted among all primary and secondary schools in Leicestershire (England) in 1985 to examine the role of microcomputers in schools, and the extent to which their introduction had led to a shift in teaching emphasis toward providing more skill-based curricula (i.e., study skills for life) rather than…

Many reading teachers, cognizant of the creative opportunities for skill development allowed by new reading-writing software, are choosing to use microcomputers in their classrooms full-time. Adventure story creation programs capitalize on reading-writing integration by allowing children, with appropriate assistance, to create their own…