Technology and Basic Skills in Mathematics (TABS) is a project to develop innovative technology-based instructional materials at the upper elementary or middle school level, emphasizing the non-computational mathematics basics of probability, geometry, estimation, and computer literacy. In each area, attempts are being made to bring together…

Microcomputer software in language arts and mathematics available for use with the first grade curriculum was located, previewed, and evaluated. To obtain a sampling of educational software, a letter requesting all available first grade materials was sent to 50 companies. Of these, 32 companies responded, and 17 had such material. Following the…

A computer program entitled "Story Time" encourages preschool children to use the important language skills that develop during the first 3 or 4 years of life to create and print original stories. Although the computer does not write the stories, it aids the children in the creation of stories by prompting them with questions. In order to use the…

Advantages of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for grammar-oriented exercises are considered, and a learning module to help the student prepare for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is described. The exercises are modeled on the TOEFL exam: the student is given a sentence, one part of which is incorrect and is asked to…

Suggestions for integrating computer technology and composition instruction are presented in four conference papers, summaries of four conference courseware demonstrations, a paper describing computer-based evaluation of textual responses, and a reactor's address. In an overview of the current state of computer-based composition instruction,…

This project attempted to replicate a 1981 study by Munro, Fehling, Blaise, and Towne, which found that instructional feedback for dynamic skill training is most effective when the student chooses when and if feedback is to be received. Using a simpler task, this study focused on an Air Intercept Controller Simulation program. The effectiveness of…

This study investigated short term information retention of college biology students who used computer assisted instruction (CAI) with students who studied the same subject matter in printed form. An introductory computer program on photophosphorylation (the light reactions of photosynthesis) was written in Applesoft Basic for the Apple II…

A group of 24 14-year-old students were presented with sets of algebra tasks using the Leeds Modelling System (LMS), a computer-based modeling system. Four months later, these same students were given a paper-and-pencil test which covered comparable tasks set by LMS. In addition, certain students were given detailed diagnostic interviews. A…

This paper reports the results obtained with a group of 24 14-year-old students when presented with a set of algebra tasks by the Leeds Modelling System (LMS). These same students were given a comparable paper-and-pencil test and detailed interviews some 4 months later. The latter studies uncovered several kinds of student misunderstanding that…

In 1983, an 11-member task force of teachers and school administrators reviewed the general state of the art of microcomputer applications in education in order to make recommendations for the River East School Division 9 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The group recommended that the school division pursue a deliberate and systematic plan for…

This project introduced microcomputers to small-scale construction trades programs through selected California community colleges. The computers were used for applications and computer-aided instruction in construction management and carpentry classes within the departments of vocational education. The project aimed to (1) define the uses for…

The eight papers summarized in this collection were drawn from a 1983 conference symposium designed to expand and disseminate increased understanding about reading and its instruction. The selected papers, each of which includes an abstract, discuss the following topics: (1) the determination of Florida's kindergarten reading curricula, (2)…

This research report surveys the Japanese educational system, computer-aided instruction (CAI) in Japanese education, and the Japanese home computer industry. The Japanese educational system is found to be dominated by extensive preparation for entrance examinations, with resulting popularity in private tutoring services, preparatory schools,…

This symposium includes the following papers: "Software for the Classroom: Issues in the Design of Effective Software Tools" (D. Midian Kurland); "Computers for Composing" (Janet H. Kane); "LOGO Programming and Problem Solving" (Roy D. Pea); "The Computer as Sandcastle" (Jeanne Bamberger); "Learning…

Advocating preschool children's introduction to microcomputers, this document describes the advantages of computer learning for the child, academic skills that can be taught, results of an experiment that field tested microcomputers in a nursery school, and guidelines for parents to use when selecting software for their children. An introductory…