When competing with mass media and other forms of information delivery, a verbal lecture does not have enough sensory impression. What students read in a passive framework is barely remembered, less so in pre-examination cramming. Weaker students have difficulties in reading, most notably with abstract and mathematical concepts. These problems are…

Survey of recent literature and research on computer-oriented mathematics courses in secondary schools aimed at setting forth the principal arguments given in support of these courses, and at critically examining the logical basis of these arguments and the anecdotal and statistical evidence for them. A 57-item bibliography is included. (Author/DN)

Describes the use of a graduate student in computer science to develop an automated fiscal reporting system to handle budgetary problems associated with funded research projects at the Texas A&M College of Medicine. The roles of graduate students, faculty members, and system users in the project are described. (Author/JL)

Examines the effects of high school performance, high school and university mathematics background, previous computer experience, and age on computer science aptitude and achievement as measured by a computer science aptitude test and final exam respectively. Methodology and analysis of results by stepwise regression are presented. (EAO)

Discusses five approaches used by industry/colleges to provide local area network (LAN) capabilities in the analytical laboratory: (1) mixed baseband bus network coupled to a star net; (2) broadband bus network; (3) ring network; (4) star network coupled to broadband net; and (5) simple multiprocessor center. Part I (September issue) focused on…

Difficulties in implementing the Microelectronics Education Programme are discussed. Difficulties include too few microcomputers in schools, networking within schools, teachers working in isolation, distribution of software; and the problem of raising the level of awareness of teachers in all subject areas. (Author/JN)

Looks at the training and educational programs available to computer workers. Discusses in-company training; current state-of-the-art in computer science training in universities; specific training for systems analysts, programers, computer service technicians, and computer equipment operators; and continuing supplementary education. (CT)

The increased availability of computers is affecting education along two fronts. First, the vocational curriculum must meet the demand for trained data-processing personnel and for computer-related skills in other occupations. Second, three major tools (computer-assisted instruction, computer-managed instruction, and computer-assisted guidance)…

Final-year computer studies students in an expert systems class were given conventional tutorials, computerized tutorials, and computer tutorials with a mastery class. Both groups using tutorials out performed the control group; however, no statistically significant difference was found between groups using computer tutorials. Concludes that…

Discusses the disparity in numbers of girls and boys taking math, science, and computer classes in elementary and secondary schools, and examines steps being taken to better prepare girls, especially minority girls, for an increasingly technical society. A program in Michigan is described that involved a school and business partnership. (LRW)

Shows by means of a mathematical example how algorithmic thinking and mathematical thinking complement each other. An algorithmic approach can lead to questions that deepen the understanding of mathematics material. (DDR)

Describes the function game, or input-output game, and its benefits. One person is the computer and thinks of a rule. Classmates give input values and the computer gives the corresponding output. The object is to guess the rule. Benefits include the use of mental mathematics, problem solving, communication opportunities, and fostering key ideas,…

Describes an instructional model for teaching abstract data types (ADTs) to high school students. Presents research results regarding students' conceptualizations of ADTs and their strategies of using them in computer science problem solving. To implement the ADTs, "black boxes" were used. (AEF)

Through research data collected from 75 Taiwanese eighth graders enrolled in a computer course, this study revealed that students with higher-order metacognitive skills in monitoring their comprehension, selecting main ideas, and using resources helpful for learning tended to have higher computer achievement, better computer attitudes, and lower…

Discussion of changing curricula in higher education focuses on a new curriculum design for intermedia specialists that should evolve from the more traditional field of instructional technology. The need for appropriate undergraduate and practical experience is considered, and courses that combine computer education, cognitive systems, and other…