Three articles discuss: (1) a Montana State University pilot project utilizing a local area network for word processing; (2) an interdisciplinary arrangement between Purdue University's Electrical Engineering and English Departments which utilizes computers to teach writing to engineering students; and (3) whether computers should be used to teach…

Discusses specific ways to maximize microcomputer use in elementary and secondary schools including peer tutoring, individualized feedback, cooperative and discovery learning, tournament competition, drills and practice, student developed materials, creative problem solving, creative writing, databases, keyboarding, and student software…

Describes study designed to determine whether seventh-grade students classified as field dependent or independent would respond to computer assisted instructional options in different ways. Chi-square analysis reveals both groups showed similar pattern options use except in the case of additional expository examples where field-dependent students…

This study examined the effects of judgmental and nonjudgmental computer assisted instruction on self-esteem and mathematics achievement of remedial junior high students. Although no statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups, this was probably due to study's short-term nature, rather than absence of relationship…

Reviews cognitive research related to computer-based instruction in the areas of motivation; the relationship between computer-assisted instruction and learning; learner control; transfer of learning; hemispheric dominance; and anxiety. Design professionals are urged to consider congitive views. (MBR)

Describes the development of a method of identifying motivational and educational attributes through student reports of what they like and what they perceive they are learning. Applications of the method to microcomputer software and traditional classroom activities are compared. (23 references) (MBR)

How microcomputers can be used in the elementary social studies classroom to teach and reinforce new concepts, to relieve teachers of a variety of time-consuming chores, and to motivate students to produce creative projects is discussed. (RM)

A metaanalysis of elementary school computer-assisted instruction (CAI) research found that lower achievers profit more from CAI; it is more effective in primary grades; boys may learn more than girls; drill and practice produces highest effect sizes; and no relationship exists between year of study publication and effect size. (MBR)

Harvard University's president critically examines educational uses of new technology, urging cautious optimism and support for technological innovation combined with strategic planning. Topics discussed include computer assisted instruction, higher level cognitive skill development, educational value of technological innovations and their effects…

Reflects upon opportunities for research in instructional technology provided by present state of media hardware technology and educational requirements. Prospects for research in incidental learning, including learning from television, are discussed, as well as traditional learning research on intentional learning, including possibilities for…

The experiences of 11 gifted and talented adolescents who participated in a two-week summer microcomputer graphics course at Indiana University are described based on course observations by the author. Focus is on technical and aesthetic course expectations and on psychological and contextual considerations of the teacher and the students. (RM)

Gives guidelines for using a microcomputer software evaluation instrument which focuses on policy issues, instructional quality, science subject-matter standards, and technical quality. The complete evaluation instrument is included. (JM)

A global studies course focusing on the developing world uses computers to show middle school students how data can be used to understand phenomena. Students secure data for one or two countries and, using the programing language APL, create tables, make maps, visuals, and graphs, and manipulate computer-generated models. (RM)

The rise of computer-assisted learning demands that schools reassess their reasons for being and emphasize the nurturing of children's feelings, the promotion of interpersonal skills and higher-level cognitive skills, and the development of creativity, imagination, and moral integrity. Teachers should serve as diagnosticians, curriculum makers,…

Argues that educators should be proactive in building computer-based curricula that place technology in a facilitating role, have sound educational objectives that are measureable, and reflect awareness of how students learn from computer interaction. The educational theories of reinforcement, closure, short-term memory, and mastery learning are…