Discusses four types of computer programs that can manipulate linguistic symbols with great facility. These programs deal with: (1) machine translation; (2) word processing; (3) question answering; and (4) adjuncts to electronic mail known as coordination systems. Also considers the future of computer software dealing with language. (JN)

Interactive computer graphics is fast becoming the standard medium of communication between computers and all kinds of users. Reasons for this trend, the technology of interactive graphics displays, software considerations, applications (including classroom and laboratory applications), and future developments are discussed. (JN)

Courses for a computer technology program are listed. Hardware purchases necessary to use a mainframe computer in a single-user environment in a computer organization course is described, and sample runs from three programs are included. (MNS)

Dr. Michael Hoban responds to questions concerning the role and future of computers and microcomputers in education, the design of computer education, computer software, and faculty development. (DMM)

Eleven free or low-cost databases are described. Services, current costs, and (when applicable) address and telephone number are provided for Data-Net, GTE Telenet, General Videotex's Delphi Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Awareness database, Alternative Fuels Data Bank, Searchmart's software library, National Meteorological…

Designed to determine whether abstract and concrete concepts are classified similarly, this study used three separate experiments to explore the vertical and horizontal dimensions used by computer scientists to categorize the common concepts of their field. It found that concrete concept categorization operates over a wider range than previously…

Discusses the basic computer-oriented skills needed by chemical engineering graduates, suggesting that these skills be introduced and reinforced throughout the chemical engineering curriculum. Issues related to programming and scientific computation are noted. (JN)

Discusses the nature of technological literacy, considering its relationship to science education, mathematics education, and computer science education. Indicates that technological literacy is a skill and an attitude which is basic to contemporary society. Problems related to cognitive development are noted. (JN)

This essay discusses the human, social, and political problems associated with the introduction of new information technologies and computer education into existing schools and indicates 10 choices which face educational policy-makers. Teacher training, availability of software, necessary hardware, the role of higher education, and national policy…

Presented are profiles of educators who made the transition from classroom teacher to computer specialist and then moved on to further opportunities in the field. They include Helen Joseph (computer specialist with EQUALS), Sam Wantman (software designer), Paula Filliman (Chair, Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics), and Jane Manzelli…

Presented are six practical teaching suggestions selected from commercially available materials and ideas submitted by readers. A personalized poster program, a hiking program, and activities in which students send the Logo turtle on an egg hunt and study pattern block programing are included. (JN)

To make computing power broadly available and truly friendly, both soft and hard meshing and synchronization problems will have to be solved. Possible solutions and research related to these problems are discussed. Topics considered include compilers, parallelism, networks, distributed sensors, dataflow, CEDAR system (using dataflow principles),…

Reviews experiences in teaching computer programing to engineering freshmen at the University of Oklahoma. Focuses on the stimulating interactive environment that is possible when using the UNIX operating system to introduce students to programing. (JN)

Though computer literacy has become a key educational issue of the 1980s, little attention has been paid to adults over the age of 25 who received their formal education Before Computers (B.C.). One-day seminars (developed at the request of the Smithsonian Institution) designed to satisfy this need are described. (JN)

A computer course for parents, developing/using a histogram program, and writing form letters using Atari PILOT (Program listing included) are suggested. Includes an article ("Data Basing") by Al Kramer and Fritzi Lareau suggesting that students be provided with activities to create, use, maintain computerized databases. (JN)