The paper reports observations from a 2-year investigation of teaching/learning processes as they occurred during microcomputer instruction in three special education schools. Factors in the learner and/or learning environment are analyzed for their effects on the development of problem solving strategies. Part 1 reports observations of behavior…

Computers can create an atmosphere of success for children with attention deficit disorders (ADD). Appropriate software can help to encourage creative and imaginative ideas with judgment temporarily suspended. Software which may be useful in this attempt is reviewed, and three suggestions are made for parents and teachers: (1) assemble existing…

With the advent of microcomputers into the public school classroom, there is a growing need for teachers to be knowledgeable about computer application and potential. The Teacher Education Program at James Madison University has attempted to meet this need by developing a self-instructional module on computer literacy for its introductory…

Four- and 5-year-olds' understanding of basic turtle graphics commands was examined before and after a hands-on, interactive problem-solving experience. Children (n=32) saw display screen events consisting of an initial turtle state, a command transformation, and the resulting turtle state. They were asked to give the command executed in each…

The paper examines the application of IMS--Instruction Management Systems--on classroom instruction with exceptional students. IMS, a computer-based material generation and record management software program which has been field tested in secondary school resource rooms in Utah and Idaho, is a unique model in that it includes aspects of both…

This guidebook is intended to provide introductory knowledge to adult education teachers and administrators who are interested in the purchase and use of microcomputers. Although the emphasis is on adult basic education, most information is applicable to adult secondary settings. Section 1 is a brief history of computer development. Section 2, on…

High school teachers (N=21) who used microcomputers in instruction with mainstreamed low ability students were polled regarding their attitudes toward and experiences with software. Results revealed considerable variance regarding instructional time involving the computer, a preponderance of drill and practice uses over other applications (such as…

The paper describes two experiments conducted to improve writing skills of learning disabled adolescents. Experiment 1 used creative prompts plus a cut and paste editing strategy. In experiment 2, the same creative prompts were used with the Bank Street word processing program. Writing samples were scored for composition quality (holistic, number…

Suggestions are offered regarding the use and selection of software with LD (learning disabled) students. The scarcity of appropriate software for the population is pointed out and a hybrid selection scale based upon several existing scales is described. It is noted that the major reason for rejecting software is the high readability skill…

The paper discusses ways in which the Apple II plus and Apple IIe computers can be adapted to become highly effective tools in the education of the physically/multiply handicapped student. The role of word processing programs as communication aids, alternative input and output devices, and innovative software programs is examined. Among the…

This paper provides an historical and empirical critique of the claim that learning to program will promote the development of general higher mental functions. A developmental perspective on learning to program is provided which incorporates cognitive science studies of mental activities involved in programming, and highlights the importance of…

Computer courseware appropriate for instruction in grades K-12 is listed in two advisory lists. Entries, selected from materials submitted by producers which received favorable reviews by educators, are arranged in the following categories: arts education, communication skills, mathematics, science, utility (a quiz generator), word processing, and…

In a class of eight students, an attempt was made to determine the effects on student collaboration of using the computer as a writing instrument and the influence the computer might have on social relationships in a high school writing class. Student collaboration consisted of several kinds, including: (1) the sharing of technical help for using…

CARE (Computer Assisted Renewal Education) is comprised of a series of computer-assisted instruction courses for training regular educators to teach handicapped children and two mobile laboratories for delivering the instruction to in-service teachers in their home community. (JA)