Describes the Microworld Chance, a simulation-oriented computer environment that allows students to explore probability concepts in five subenvironments: coins, dice, spinners, thumbtacks, and marbles. Results of a teaching experiment to examine the effectiveness of the microworld in changing students' misconceptions about probability are…

Reviews chapters of this book on probability in mathematics education. Topics discussed in the chapters include a historical perspective of probability, an epistemological perspective of probability, an overview of the psychological research on probability learning, computers in probability education, and an analysis of the probability curriculum.…

Discusses the use of videodisk technology to teach biology. Presents videodisk selection criteria for biology teachers, lists 13 biology videodisks and their suppliers, and lists videodisks offered with biology textbooks. (MDH)

Shows how a successful bibliographic instruction program can be achieved through the interrelationship of program support, facilities, and growth by examining how the librarians at Brigham Young University (Utah) developed a proposal for, helped design, and obtained funding for a new bibliographic instruction facility. (Contains seven references.)…

Discusses the positive transfer of computer-related skills to new computer tasks and reviews transfer-related literature to provide recommendations to facilitate better transfer of students' skills from introductory computer classes to future needs. Topics addressed include course goals, user interfaces, problem solving, and software. (Contains 60…

Describes a mobile classroom presentation cart for multimedia technology that was designed and constructed at the University of Delaware's Instructional Technology Center. Design goals are discussed; the physical layout is explained; equipment choices are described, including computer, audio system, and projection system; and future development is…

A study evaluated the effectiveness of contextual organizers for subjects (n=276) of three cognitive styles (field dependent, field independent, and field intermediate) during computer-assisted instruction. Findings were advance organizers were more effective for field-dependent subjects; postorgainzers were more effective for field-intermediate…

The performance of two students (ages six to seven) with mild disabilities was compared across two instructional conditions (Voice Plus Text versus Text Alone) as the students participated in daily computer-assisted instruction for development of reading readiness skills. Both students made fewer errors in the synthesized speech condition than in…

The Monte Carlo procedure of generating random points that lie within the unit square is used to approximate pi, as the ratio of points within the first quadrant of the unit circle to the total number of randomly generated points. A BASIC computer program for this method is included. (JJK)

Examined is the extent to which the current trend favoring full integration of LOGO into the mathematics curriculum responds to the current extensions of the LOGO environment, beyond its original applications within the authentic mathematics curriculum, proceeding into the domains of visual arts, physics, and composition, for example. (JJK)

Described is a recursive LOGO method for dissecting polygons into congruent parts (rep tiles) similar to the original polygon, thereby producing unexpected patterns. A list of descriptions for such dissections is included along with suggestions for modifications that allow extended student explorations into tile patterns. (JJK)

Study identified types of software applications and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) software chosen over three years by secondary mathematics teachers enrolled in a graduate level computers-in-education course. Subjects learned four relevant general computer applications and various CAI programs. They unanimously rejected drill and practice…

Describes courses in microcomputer literacy for college students that evolved from one general course to modular courses including word processing, spreadsheets, and programing. A proposed plan for integrating microcomputers across a variety of curriculums is then discussed, and sample curriculums are shown. (LRW)

Discusses how computer experiences need to move beyond lessons that regard the computer as merely an extension of older art forms to studies that examine the inherent qualities of the medium. Maintains that art teachers should take advantage of the rich interchanges that can be developed between art and technology. (KM)

Describes decision-aiding software, Policy/Goal Percentaging (P/G%), that can process a set of controversial alternatives when used with microcomputer-aided instruction. The benefits and objectives of microcomputer use are discussed, and applications of the software to problems in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities…