The third of a three-part computer awareness program for grades K-9, this five-unit guide includes objectives, notes and explanations, and suggested activities for developing basic concepts, skills, and attitudes related to computer technology for grades 7-9. Student activity worksheets are included for each unit. Unit 1 covers computer operation,…

The teaching of broadcast copywriting can be enhanced by computer assisted instruction, especially in screening students' writing for adherence to classic "formulas" or "rules" for broadcast writing. Such rules might include avoiding cliches or not beginning a sentence with a subordinate clause. Other rules the computer can…

This paper discusses research on the processes by which individuals progress toward expertise in scientific domains, focusing on the activity of constructing qualitative problem representations during solution of standard mechanics problems in physics. It includes information on: (1) descriptive analyses of problem-solving performance; (2)…

In product engineering there often arise design analysis problems for which a commercial software package is either unavailable or cost prohibitive. Further, these calculations often require successive iterations that can be time intensive when performed by hand, thus development of a software application is indicated. This case relates to the…

The magnitude of the task of courseware development in the Time-Shared, Interactive, Computer-Controlled Information Television (TICCIT) project has required the development of well-defined and manageable techniques for courseware preparation. This paper reviews the problems involved and the team production techniques developed to overcome them.…

A review of the use of specific word processing programs to teach foreigners English language composition discusses advantages and disadvantages of such features as spelling checkers, prompting markers, and formatting programs. Suggestions are presented for enhancing students' writing skills both with and without word processing help. (CB)

Describes the emphasis of decision support systems as being on the decision making process itself, rather than the flow of information; reviews the uses of microcomputers in libraries in recent years; and compares five decision modeling software packages. An appendix lists the name, manufacturer's address, price, and hardware requirements of each…

A program obtained random samples from known populations, some of which violated the homogeneity assumption. Student t tests and Mann-Whitney U Tests were performed on the sample value. Where the t test led to incorrect decisions, the use of Mann-Whitney U test in its place led to poorer results. (JAZ)

The impact of several experimental programs involving the use of microcomputers with mentally retarded, physically disabled, emotionally disabled, or developmentally disabled children is discussed. The continuing need for such programs, better access, and more dissemination of information on these programs is explored. (CB)

Discusses end-user searching at Exxon through in-house training and with Searchmaster, a user friendly front end system. The six menu-like Searchmaster programs, which permit end-users to perform routine searches on specific databases, are described. (EM)

The University of New Orleans has begun a program to teach microcomputer use to blind and visually impaired students with the goals of promoting greater independence and career development opportunities while making the campus more accessible to blind students. It chose a software solution rather than using dedicated equipment. (Author/VW)

Factors inhibiting more widespread use of computer-assisted instruction and computer-assisted language learning include: start-up costs of computer hardware; dearth of quality courseware; skepticism regarding its effectiveness; and the educational system and the teacher. However, the promise of cost-efficiency and versatility, plus the potential…

In the spring of 1986 Indiana State University converted to the Series Z software of Information Associates, an IBM mainframe, and Information Builders' FOCUS fourth-generation language. The beginning of the planning stage to product selection, training, and implementation is described. (Author/MLW)

Evaluates the Computer-Based Assessment Instrument (CRAI) as a test for reading proficiency. Notes strengths of CRAI, including its use as a quick assessment of silent reading comprehension level, and the problems with readability and content specific words lists and the lack of scoring features. (JC)

Brief description of videotex systems is followed by recommendations for the design of database structure, command language, and screen format. How users search through the database is described and evaluations of the underlying tree structure are reviewed. Information sources on other aspects of videotex besides usability are listed. (MBR)