Describes studies designed to examine the instrumentation used to assess both graphing abilities and the impact of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) on students' graphing abilities. Results suggest that numerous disparities between the results of multiple-choice and free response instruments. The analysis also revealed that the impact of MBL…

Describes the use of a spreadsheet in running a hands-on prey/predator simulation that enables students to see the effect of selection pressure on one allele in a gene pool. Discusses setting up and running the simulation, class discussion issues, exploring assumptions, and extensions. (JRH)

Presents mathematics problems which use technology for exploring and verifying relationships among data sets; comparing and analyzing effects of changes in parameters of mathematical models; simulating complex, expensive, or dangerous events using probability models based on random outcomes; and graphically or numerically zooming in on apparent…

Describes methods for creating integrated multimedia documents using recent advances in print, audio, and video digitization that bring added usefulness to computers as data acquisition, processing, and presentation tools. Discusses advantages of digital documentation. (JRH)

The Internet, a network of computer networks, is leading the way to the information superhighway. Explains the basic features and various ways to get hooked up to the Internet. (MLF)

Measuring technologies' interactivity in a classroom depends on gaging the level of student interactivity desired. It's not how many buttons students can push, but whether educators can use the technology to spark thoughtfulness and interaction. Three software products (two in math and one in geography) are rated as highly interactive. (MLH)

Discusses children's use of spreadsheets and the access that this gives to the instantaneous production of a variety of graphs. (10 references) (MKR)

Introduces some basic concepts on which expert systems are based. Considers how expert systems might be productively applied in education. Describes an experimental expert system with applications in reading diagnosis and teacher training. (SR)

Discusses the differences between computer-mediated communication (CMC) and print or oral communication. Describes advantages and problems of using electronic mail in a business context. Recommends research and teaching of CMC in the business writing classroom. (MM)

Recasts and expands the working assumptions of the National Writing Project to make explicit their applicability to technology-related issues. Discusses levels of involvement, levels of use, the Writing Project/Technology Project Alliance, and the futures of new technologies in the writing classroom. (RS)

Suggests that instruction and research that combine the humanities and computer science should be conducted by people skilled in both fields. Argues against dividing such work between idea and technical people. Describes a neural network approach to the study of metaphor that reflects the connectionist method. (SG)

A study investigated the incorporation of computer use in the applied business statistics program by 669 American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business members. Results showed that approximately one-fourth of the schools did not have computer applications as a requirement and approximately one-fourth did. (JOW)

Seymour Papert's brainchild LOGO is present in at least one-third of American classrooms and has expanded internationally to enhance learning in small Latin American towns and rural Soviet schools. His latest project involves teaching 18 Boston public school teachers to program and helping students learn in a computer-rich environment. (MLH)

Explores reasons for newspaper staff to write their own computer manual and provides 13 step-by-step instructions for getting started. (MG)

Offers ideas and activities of teachers who have successfully used computers with high school English students. Shows that (1) extensive equipment is not always required; (2) computers can be used by all students; (3) computers can help show the best sides of students; (4) computers can give access to the world; and (5) there is life beyond word…