An educational technique to calculate the lifetime of a comet using software-generated random numbers is introduced to undergraduate physiques and astronomy students. Discussed are the generation and eligibility of the required random numbers, background literature related to the problem, and the solution to the problem using random numbers.…

Elementary and secondary school teachers explain how they get the most out of their computer labs. Ideas including conferencing with the school's computer teacher, developing a new system for disks, planning a practice project to reinforce basic skills, setting up computer competency training, and supporting the curriculum. (SM)

Describes a method of fostering decision-making skills among students by employing the computer as a way of promoting small group discussion. Provides data from original research designed to measure the effectiveness of the techniques. Finds that adolescents can engage in decision making and discussion that involves higher order thinking. (HB)

Describes the interactive multimedia essay, HyperCard, and MediaText, and the benefits of what they offer for secondary writing classrooms. (MG)

The article offers suggestions for using word processing as an intervention tool with language handicapped students from elementary to college levels. Examples are offered to speech/language clinicians for using word processing in both clinical and administrative applications. Basic word processing is described in addition to graphics, synthesized…

Theoretical and research literature on learning from books, television, computers, and multimedia environments is examined. The media are distinguished by cognitively relevant characteristics of their technologies, symbol systems, and processing capabilities. The relative cognitive effects of learning with different media--particularly those…

Discusses the social interaction between writers using electronic mail systems. Shares two stories concerning this written form of conversation. (MG)

Discusses use of Peterson's College Selection Service, a computer-based service which provides detailed information on over 3,000 colleges and universities. Presents scenario of use of Peterson's to help a high school student search for information service programs. Refers to other electronic databases, such as ERIC. (ABL)

Discusses efforts of the Committee on Computer Activities of the American Philological Association (APA) to develop the telecommunications potential for classical scholars. Outlines plans for the implementation of an on-line newsletter, journal, conference, communication system, and announcement network. (DB)

Examines the use of databases for social studies. Provides a rationale for database use in light of social studies goals, contending that processing large amounts of information is essential for effective citizenship. Offers suggestions for integrating databases into the social studies classroom, and provides substantial lists of readily…

Since its introduction in the late 1970s, the videodisc was plagued with difficulties until attention shifted to its educational role and equipment for more reliable computer control and better authoring programs became available. The videodisc has since enjoyed rebirth as an educational tool, with noteworthy applications and development efforts…

Presented is the change-point estimation which is a variation on point estimation for a two-sample problem. This variation relies on the elementary properties of the expected value and variance operators, is intuitive and is easily accessible for introductory statistics courses. Data for this exercise may be produced by a BASIC program which is…

Describes the I-search process and discusses ways in which technology can be integrated into an I-search unit. Illustrates how teachers field testing the approach in four middle schools creatively and meaningfully used technology to benefit student learning. (MG)

Describes the available computer network resources and some of the relevant terms, practices, and notions that are quickly evolving with the growth of the so-called information superhighway. Covers the historical trends and considers future challenges to be faced in view of changing technologies. (HB)

Studies magnetic oscillation using an air track. Ceramic magnets are attached to the cart and also are used as dampeners in place of the springs. The resulting oscillations are fairly sinusoidal and is a good example of simple harmonic motion. (MVL)