Analysis of 23,704 want ads for computer-related jobs revealed that the most frequently mentioned skills were UNIX, SQL programming, and computer security. Curriculum implications were derived from the most desired and less frequently mentioned skills. (SK)

Describes expert systems and discusses their use in libraries. Highlights include parts of an expert system; expert system shells; an example of how to build an expert system; a bibliography of 34 sources of information on expert systems in libraries; and a list of 10 expert system shells used in libraries. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Describes a visual tutoring system for programming distributive-memory multiprocessor networks. Highlights include difficulties of parallel programming, and three instructional modes in the system, including a hypertext-like lecture, a question-answer mode, and an expert aid mode. (Author/LRW)

This primer on authoring tools for training provides tips on selecting software, questions to assess whether to use it, and a directory of companies selling multimedia authoring products. (SK)

Constructs a recursion programming learning system based on Socratic dialog which presents questions to students and encourages them to reflect on their own thinking. Highlights include implementation using database techniques; evaluation by empirical methods; and results of pretests and posttests that show a positive impact on recursion…

The notions of pentagonal numbers and partitions can be understood by students at the precalculus level, and should work well in a first course in programming for high school or college students. Presents opportunities to conjecture properties of partitions from a computer program. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/ASK)

Examines violence in music video programming. Reveals that 15% of music videos feature violence, and most of that aggression is sanitized, not chastised, and presented in realistic contexts. Discusses the findings in terms of the risk that exposure to violence in each channel and genre may be posing to viewers' learning of aggression, fear, and…

Assesses the prevalence and context of violence in prime-time television programming using a random, representative sample. Shows that, regardless of the time of day, viewers are likely to encounter violence in roughly 2 out of 3 programs. Identifies specific channel types and genres that feature potentially harmful depictions of violence during…

Assessed children of three age groups (4-5, 6-7, and 8-10) on reality/fantasy distinction and story-schema development after viewing episode of "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers." Found that only oldest children could make clear distinction between reality and fantasy, and that older children showed mastery of other study variables: memory…

Notes the correlation between television-viewing habits and children's level of creativity, aggressiveness, and social skills. Highlights better quality programming, noting that most of it is on cable rather than network television. Cautions against the less controllable factors such as commercials and "teasers" for other programs and movies. (HTH)

Explains how the Roamer Turtle, a piece of technology utilizing the LOGO programming language, can be used in a mathematics curriculum with students aged 4-7. Describes experiences in visiting various classes to see the Roamer in use. (MM)

From 1931-1944, Future Farmers of America made 157 radio broadcasts to acquaint the public with the organization's activities and its contribution to the war effort; these shows inspired state affiliate broadcasts. Membership grew from 60,000 to 80,000. (Contains 22 references.) (SK)

In this article we describe a programming framework called Pyro, which provides a set of abstractions that allows students to write platform-independent robot programs. This project is unique because of its focus on the pedagogical implications of teaching mobile robotics via a top-down approach. We describe the background of the project, its…

In this paper, we present our experiences in using two automatic assessment tools, TRAKLA and TRAKLA2, in a second course of programming. In this course, 500-700 students have been enrolled annually during the period 1993-2004. The tools are specifically designed for assessing algorithm simulation exercises in which students simulate the working…

Robots make a wonderful context for teaching students about many concepts important to technological literacy. They can provide an authentic context and produce high levels of motivation. According to Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology (STL) (ITEA, 2000, 2002), there are six core concepts that should be…