Discusses the debate concerning the teaching of calculus. States that some consider calculus reform urgent because of the course's position in undergraduate studies. Considers the quality of mathematics instruction in the computer era. Cites examples of institutional experiments with new course designs. (CW)

To develop student teachers' competency in assessment of motor skills ability, researchers developed a microcomputer-managed interactive videodisc. The design of the program and the equipment requirements are discussed. Physical educators are urged to keep abreast of technological innovations and to use them in teaching student teachers. (JL)

Reports on ways five multicampus colleges are using computer networks to share information and perform an array of academic, administrative, and support functions. Offers insights regarding economies of scale, broad-based involvement in planning, alternative solutions, and potential for expansion. (DMM)

Asserts that future distance education will be dominated by the virtual school. Measures the potential of telecommunications, computer assisted learning, audio/visual systems and computer conferencing against the definition of a virtual school. Concludes that conferencing is the only technology capable of serving as the basis for a virtual school.…

Reports on the results of a University of Arizona experiment that used electronic mail to supplement traditional modes of student/instructor interaction in four courses in electrical and computer engineering. Results indicated that students liked electronic mail to supplement their discourse with their instructors. (TW)

Describes a 15-week course in the fundamentals of microelectronics processing in chemical engineering, which emphasizes the use of very large scale integration (VLSI). Provides a listing of the topics covered in the course outline, along with a sample of some of the final projects done by students. (TW)

Presents a program written in USCD Pascal that simulates a system routine. Illustrates standard and user defined boolean and string functions and string procedures. Details the processing operations. (CW)

Describes survey conducted among humanities faculty at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to assess their current use of and attitudes toward educational computing. Topics covered on the questionnaire include computer experience, skills and frequency of use, computer interest and anxiety, computer software, and use for instructional,…

Offers a method for interactive design of objects on a computer. Outlines a method which allows the designer to interact with orthogonal views to construct a three dimensional model of an arbitrary shape. Presents an algorithm based on the Bezier curves to efficiently create smooth curves and surfaces. (CW)

Describes the underlying pattern that, once seen, will allow students to describe the shape of any hydrogen orbital. Involves the exponential form of the orbitals. Provides computer-generated plots of this concept. (CW)

Reports on a study which investigated the effects of having students analyze circuits in the laboratory compared with troubleshooting from homework problems. Results indicated that laboratory experiences provide a richer learning experience than lecture and homework alone. (TW)

This article investigates two common methods of determining the line of best fit and then expands on the techniques used in these methods to find the line of best fit by graphing, estimating and using a microcomputer. (PK)

Demonstrates how a spreadsheet program can do calculations, freeing students to question, analyze data and learn science. Notes several popular spreadsheet programs. Gives an example using Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets for a sampling experiment in Biology. Shows other examples of spreadsheet use in laboratory activities. (CW)

Argues that if computers are to play a role in language arts instruction, teachers need to reflect on their programs, selecting software congruent with children's interests as well as their teaching thrusts. Suggests using shell and database programs because they allow students to work with original ideas. (SRT)

A survey of 268 school psychologists was conducted to explore the nature and extent of ethical-legal problems associated with computer applications in school psychology. One third reported existing problems; 65 percent anticipated potential problems in test interpretation; and 62 percent anticipated problems with record-keeping. Suggestions for…