Application of computer-assisted testing (CAT) to measurement in the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools is described. Focus is on MicroCAT's developmental subsystem, which allows creation of items and test design specifications. Changes in CAT procedures allowing MicroCAT to function in existing testing systems and uses/limitations of MicroCAT…

Four articles on computer-assisted testing in schools at local and state levels are reviewed. Trends in the application of and limitations/advantages of microcomputerized testing packages are described. (SLD)

Discusses a student project visualizing the surface of a function using computer graphics. Describes topics to complete the project, function and its domain, scaling, coordinate axes, projection of the surface, sketching the graph, plotting, changing the viewpoint, and rotating the axes. Provides a BASIC program using the rotation of the axes and…

Hearing-impaired clients of vocational rehabilitation center used computer-based guidance system CHOICES with the assistance of interpreters. Evaluators found guidebook and software were not usable with deaf without significant modifications; CHOICES channels hearing-impaired users into unskilled, low-paying occupations; and complexity of…

Describes the theory and operation of a computer program which was written to balance chemical equations. Software consists of a compiled file of 46K for use under MS-DOS 2.0 or later on IBM PC or compatible computers. Additional specifications of courseware and availability information are included. (Author/RT)

Describes laboratory-oriented software programs that are short, time-saving, eliminate computational errors, and not found in public domain courseware. Program availability for IBM and Apple microcomputers is included. (RT)

Outlines practical strategies which educational administrators can apply in planning for the use of advanced instructional technologies, and presents a checklist to use in evaluating new instructional devices. Highlights include assessing instructional needs; hardware and software considerations; vendors; costs; and effects of change and…

Describes a study that explored the current uses of computers in curriculum development and curriculum management as reported by a selected sample of American school districts. Results highlight reasons for using computers, software used, computer capabilities for speed and efficiency in handling data, and testing and evaluation activities. (five…

Describes the implementation of a project that provides dial-up access to MEDLINE on remote optical data disk (CD-ROM) using software that enables callers to use programs like Wordstar, Lotus, and dBase. Highlights include networking CD-ROM databases, hardware considerations, advantages and disadvantages of remote access, and future plans. A…

Describes the general characteristics of Washington Electronic Bulletin Board Systems (WEBBS) used within federal agencies to disseminate data and software. Examples of six varieties of WEBBS (electronic mail, public announcement, electronic publishing, data oriented, library oriented, and subscription/membership) are discussed, as well as…

Describes the development of a union catalog system on optical data disks for scientific libraries in Milan. The characteristics of the system and the reasons for its creation are discussed, and a normal work session is illustrated. (Author/CLB)

Describes an automation project in Italy in which public libraries share functions such as cataloging and interlibrary loans by setting up a virtual network of microcomputers using TINlib software and exchange data using floppy disks. The operation of the system is described, problems encountered are identified, and future projects are discussed.…

Reviews the use of microcomputers in the art studio and classrooms. Argues that there is a lack of effective software for art education, but that computers are useful for enhancing standard visual grammar. Suggests that the most legitimate educational use of computers is employing them to discover new ideas in better ways. (GG)

Encourages reading teachers to create their own instructional software, using recent advances in authoring systems which have made teacher-constructed microcomputer lessons instructionally viable. (MG)

The computer is not just a teaching tool, but a teaching medium. Purchase of appropriate software to achieve worthwhile instructional goals is essential. There are several software titles for elementary school educators to consider seriously in mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. Included is a sampler of effective elementary…