Presents several types of functions which fit a given set of data and create opportunities for classroom discussion comparing different kinds of functions and identifying some of the potential hazards associated with extrapolation from best-fit functions. (DDR)

Describes chat reference service to elementary and secondary school students at Baltimore County Public Library and Harford County Public Library (Maryland). Discusses funding; developing an audience and promoting the service; appropriate software; hours of service; technical issues; meeting student needs; relationships to curriculum; and teaching…

Discussion of the use of microcomputers in school libraries in the United Kingdom focuses on three models of school library computerization: (1) a library management-centered model, which addresses routine library operations; (2) a pupil-centered information skills model; and (3) a curriculum-centered model, which furthers pupil learning in…

Discussion of the potential of new developments in information technology for providing access to information highlights the potentials of hypertext and hypermedia technologies. Topics discussed include the interconnectedness of knowledge; skills needed for information handling; cooperative partnerships among professors, librarians, designers, and…

Analyzes the difficulty of depicting a round world on a flat surface by identifying distortions in the traditional Mercator Projection. Questions whether its Eurocentric bias culturally conditions students. Presents other world maps that attempt to resolve more fairly the shape/area problem, including some drawn with computers. Encourages teachers…

This discussion of funding for assistive technology devices for children with disabilities addresses how to locate community funding sources, set priorities, increase peoples' awareness of technological applications, and encourage parental involvement. An annotated bibliography lists seven items on funding, and a chart shows an example of an…

A survey of five major bank libraries revealed three distinct levels of subject access to serial publications: manually based systems with no formal subject access; computer-aided systems in which the sorting capabilities of computerized serials management are utilized to generate printed lists arranged by subject; and online catalogs with subject…

Reports results of surveys of faculty and students in Australian universities that were conducted to examine the use of computerized business simulations. Factors influencing the adoption of simulations are discussed, the effectiveness of various teaching methods are examined, evaluation of courses and simulations are described, and further…

Discussion of the use of electronic publishing (EP) and computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems in higher education focuses on a system at Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh, called JIMMY. Its use by arts, business, health care, and management and information students and staff is described, and further developments are discussed. (23…

Discussion of implementation of computer-based educational innovations highlights a case study of undergraduate music theory students who had the option of using computer-assisted instruction. Barriers to successful implementation are described, including instructor attitudes, instructional style, curriculum planning, lack of peer support, program…

Discussion of high school dropouts highlights the development of a computer learning laboratory that was used with at-risk high school students. The assessment of students' skills in language and reading is described, software that focused on these areas is discussed, and the results of pretests and posttests is reported. (Seven references) (LRW)

Examines how sound spectrographs provide students learning a second language direct, visual feedback that is more useful than instructors' comments on articulation. Shows spectrographs of words pronounced by native and non-native English speakers. Argues this real-time acoustic analysis is less frustrating and more productive than traditional…

Eleven learning-handicapped students, ages 8-13, generated text at microcomputers both alone and as members of dyads. Examination of mechanical errors revealed a lower error rate in the dyad condition compared to working alone. The relationship between error monitoring and the social interaction needed for collaboration is discussed. (Author/JDD)

Describes study that examined the mobilization and implementation stages of introducing microcomputers into the elementary and middle schools of a school district. The use of interviews, naturalistic observations, and computer usage statistics is discussed, institutional and innovation characteristics are described, and the influence of teachers'…

A study of eighth grade science students compared the instructional effectiveness and the cost effectiveness of an interactive video system with the use of 16mm films for teaching a science unit. Results indicated that interactive video can be significantly more effective than conventional methods of instruction. (eight references) (LRW)