A study of the effects of microcomputer use in classrooms and homes on the growth of school-readiness skills of kindergartners used pre- and posttested experimental and control groups to assess reading readiness, mathematics readiness, Piagetian operations, and keyboard knowledge. Teacher implementation strategies and techniques used by nonreaders…

Discusses the possibility of having chemistry students do their own computer programing that could then be used to solve problems in general chemistry. Describes such an effort at Eastern Washington University. Provides examples of some of the student programs and printouts. (TW)

Describes a teaching strategy using Apple IIe computers in a sequence of individual conferences. Includes asking questions while scrolling through the paper, showing students how to elaborate ideas by entering suggested changes and prompts in capital letters during the conference, and using a spelling checker to prompt revision (e.g., by compiling…

Presents and discusses a form for the evaluation of microcomputer software for computer-assisted instruction which covers the following areas: (1) program goals; (2) program content; (3) audience; (4) instructional strategies; (5) program design; (6) appropriate use of computers; (7) program techniques; (8) cost/benefit analysis; and (9) overall…

Discussion of integrating computer technology into the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools focuses on the role of the teacher. Topics discussed include simplifying the technology; the need for better software; interaction between vendors and teachers; teacher training; the structure of learning; and the role of technology in education.…

Description of the use of Apple computers by students in Blue Earth, Minnesota, emphasizes their use by elementary students. A database management system, Computer Networking Specialist (CNS), is described, individualized instructional programs are explained, and software and teacher training are briefly discussed. (LRW)

Discusses reasons for the lack of computer and software use in the classroom, especially on the elementary level. Highlights include deficiencies in available software, including lack of interaction and type of feedback; philosophies of computer use; the psychology of learning and computer use; and suggestions for developing quality software. (4…

This discussion of the use of microcomputers by mentally handicapped learners focuses on software availability and selection. Criteria for evaluating software are given, including considerations of visual display, reading level, program design, drill and practice opportunities, positive reinforcement, format variety, graphics, instructional…

Discusses the findings of four studies that examined the use of microcomputers in special education classrooms. Surveys, interviews, and observations were used to discover software currently in use with handicapped learners, the instructional design limitations of software, and the potential impact of computer-assisted instruction on handicapped…

Reports the results of a survey of library schools that examined the current use of microcomputers and computer-assisted instruction in the teaching of online searching. The need for a methodology to test the effectiveness of these instructional methods is discussed. (9 references) (CLB)

Discusses educational applications of desktop publishing at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. Topics discussed include page design capabilities; hardware requirements; software; the production of school newsletters and newspapers; cost factors; writing improvement; university departmental publications; and college book publishing. A…

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)

Research on computers in schools is reviewed. The findings include the following: (1) 53 percent of schools have computers; (2) restructuring classroom schedules and revising inservice programs would expand computer use; (3) software packages should allow for individual differences; (4) publishers are coordinating software with curriculum; and (5)…

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)