With the production of SBAS, a combination of language and machine allowing for a disciplined and error-free approach to teaching programming is available. Instructional strategies for use with SBAS and basic concepts (decisions, repetitions/iterations, actions/processes) are discussed. Sample flow charts and program listings are provided. (JN)

A light box is an apparatus designed to show the logical states of the User Port Pins of a PET microcomputer. Details of this aspect of computer studies are provided to introduce students to the possibilities of microprocessor control. Details of PET User Port interface and sample programs are included. (Author/JN)

Content/format and instructional strategies used in an adult education computer course are described. Instructions were patient, descriptive, and nonthreatening. Presentations were visual and included hands-on experiences. In addition, grades and examinations were eliminated. (JN)

Offers and discusses three suggestions to capitalize on two developments related to system dynamics modeling and simulation. These developments are a junior/senior high textbook called "Introduction to Computer Simulation" and Micro-DYNAMO, a computer simulation language for microcomputers. (Author/JN)

A six-semester secondary school computer science education program is described. Major program objectives and brief course descriptions are provided. The first course is a one-semester course on basic computer literacy. (Author/JN)

This second of two parts (part one presented in the November-December issue) continues a discussion of a BASIC program on computer arrays. Individual lines for organizing and retrieving data from the computer's memory are discussed. (JN)

Humorous suggestions are offered about how to teach children about computers. A satirical list of activities are suggested which require no physical contact with computers and which will spare teachers "the inconvenience of excited kids eager to learn how to use the new technology." (PP)

Reviews the range of contextual factors, possible content orientations, training models (from one-day overviews to courses offering three college credits), and follow-up mechanisms that must be considered by administrators who have committed their districts to providing inservice programs to develop teachers' computer literacy. (PGD)

A collection of interviews and an overview of the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC) are presented. (MP)

Answers to problems (in Applesoft Basic) in the Second Annual Computer Problem Solving Contest are presented, corresponding to elementary/junior/senior levels. Problems require good control of programing language, ability to solve problems, and implementing a problem-solving strategy within a computer language. Problem types include words,…

Local area networks are common communication conduits allowing various terminals, computers, discs, printers, and other electronic devices to intercommunicate over short distances. Discusses the vocabulary of such networks including RS-232C point-to-point and IEEE-488 multidrop protocols; error detection; message packets; multiplexing; star, ring,…

Presents a program in Level II BASIC for a TRS-80 computer that simulates a Turing machine and discusses the nature of the device. The program is run interactively and is designed to be used as an educational tool by computer science or mathematics students studying computational or automata theory. (MP)

Pocket computers are promoted as an inexpensive means of teaching computer programing, particularly in today's world where there are increasing difficulties of obtaining funds for new curriculum materials. Samples of programs written in BASIC that can be run on pocket computers are presented, and instruction in elementary grades is promoted. (MP)

Features of two versions of the BASIC programing language are compared with the features of the PASCAL programing language. The application chosen for comparison was a word processor. The conclusion was that PASCAL had the best language features, but BASIC had better systems capabilities. (MP)

The future of data processing (DP) will depend upon how business teachers handle the subject. A high school DP curriculum should provide background and basic entry-level skills to prepare students for opportunities in this rapidly growing field. (SK)