The author suggests that computers help teachers consider what education should be for students with special needs but that the potential of computers will dissipate if the real question of what students are learning is not addressed. (CL)

Considers the computer's potential for transforming the postsecondary curriculum by, for example, shifting curricular emphasis from declarative to procedural knowledge. Sees the computer currently used to further entrench learning objectives. Feels that rejecting that which can be learned from computer technology will limit the social relevance of…

Suggestions are offered of ways in which teachers of gifted elementary students can provide nonprograming computer activities even when limited computer resources and expertise are available. Among activities noted are word processing and adventure games. (CL)

Teachers are using computer programs in conjunction with many classroom staples such as art supplies, math manipulatives, and science reference books. Twelve software programs and related activities are described which teach visual and auditory memory and spatial relations, as well as subject areas such as anatomy and geography. (MT)

This directory highlights 42 software programs that are either designed for or useful in the instruction of learning disabled students. Among the content areas covered are mathematics, language, spelling, auditory memory, and spatial relationships. Information on instructional level, price, and distributor is also provided for each entry. (JW)

Most uses of computers in counseling and education are aimed at trivial goals and will not justify the time and expense required to implement them. Ethical questions of what problems ought to be turned over to computer solutions also exist. (Author/CL)

Field testings of a microcomputer/videodisc-based instructional system developed to provide individualized instruction to handicapped learners, was tested with four seven to nine year olds in a resource room and revealed that all Ss learned to tell time fluently, without teacher intervention. (Author/CL)

An instructional strategy is constructed and implemented to develop a BASIC computer program for rule learning. The strategy identifies conditions of the instructional sequence including introduction to familiar vocabulary, designing an advance organizer, presenting the defining rule, providing examples, and learner generation cues. Advantages to…

The article presents a review of the literature on the advantages of word processing for both nonhandicapped and visually handicapped students, and discusses a criterion-reference checklist that allows teachers to assess students' skills in use of the Viewscan Textline and text editor as well as providing ongoing documentation of the students'…

The article describes specific thinking skills that can be developed and used with BASIC programing, LOGO programing, and data processing with PFS:FILE. Experiences of the computer education program at the Austine School for the Deaf are cited. (CL)

Deaf children (9-14 years old) in Project IDEA (Individualized Deaf Education Alternative) use the computer for word processing, problem solving, programing, and creating databases and graphics rather than merely for drill and practice. A list of recommended software for elementary students concludes the article. (CL)

Preschool-aged twins, one hearing impaired, the other normally hearing, were introduced to LOGO using the Apple II Plus. The objectives of the project were to enhance the development of spatial visualization, provide opportunities for problem solving and creative efforts, and introduce an organized symbol system in addition to spoken language.…

The author cites comments of B.F. Skinner supporting the benefits of carefully constructed computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs. Preliminary studies on military populations suggesting the value of CAI are discussed, as is the collection of information about software. (CL)

Misconceptions surrounding the use of microcomputers in education are cited, including that computing is a short-lived fad, that there is a minimum of good software available, that students should work individually on computers, and that teachers will write their own educational software. (CL)

Three student-use instructional materials products for severely handicapped students are described. Two are instructional microcomputer software packages (one on spatial orientation and sequencing and one on word recognition) and one is an interactive instructional videotape (on elementary greeting situations and appropriate behavior). (CL)