Discusses how to manipulate a database to create a spreadsheet which can be used to help decide which teaching areas are understaffed and by how much. Focuses on the use of the Lotus 1-2-3 database statistical functions. (TW)

Special Education administrators (N=33) responded to a comprehensive survey on their use of microcomputers. Decision-making policies and practices indicated high levels of cooperation between special and regular education programs in acquiring hardware and software and in providing teacher training. Implications for subsequent directions for…

Presents interview with Roger Summit, the president of Dialog Information Services, Inc. Highlights include Summit's role as chief architect of the system, the inception of Dialog and its beginnings at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, services provided by Dialog, a challenge for libraries, and future developments and services. (EJS)

Provides guidelines and practical advice for planning and running a computer lab for writing. (NKA)

Reports the results of three years of developing computer-assisted instruction in Italian for college first-year courses and discusses the program's advantages and disadvantages, including the use of the Commodore 64 computer, the alleviation of computer fear, computer mastery, and the possibility of error. (Author/CB)

Evaluates usefulness of LegalTrac Database at University of Florida College of Law for information coverage; indexing; ease in locating information compared to online and manual searching; and user reactions. Problems encountered with the system's software and equipment and practical suggestions for its use are included. (CDD)

Discusses classroom use of appropriate software to help teachers create a manageable environment to focus on thinking skills; presents software selection criteria; and discusses the teacher's role in questioning, and as a facilitator when computer software is in use. Ways in which teachers can encourage transfer of learning are reviewed. (MBR)

This study investigated the effects of combining interactive microcomputer simulations and concrete activities on the development of abstract thinking in elementary school mathematics. Students in grades 2-4 were assessed on tasks involving designs and patterns. (MNS)

Describes the European Strategic Programme of Research and Development in Information Technology (ESPRIT), and its five programs: advanced microelectronics, software technology, advanced information processing, office systems, and computer integrated manufacturing. The emphasis on logic programming and ESPRIT as the European response to the…

Examples of relatively novel computer software environments from the representation perspective are described. Even more novel approaches to curriculum reform to cultivate higher-order thinking skills are then discussed. (MNS)

Discussion of implementation plans for the introduction of microcomputers into secondary schools in Bahrain highlights the establishment of training programs for teachers, selection of appropriate hardware, and development of an Arabic Standard for software design. A brief overview of the structure of Bahrain's school system is given. (Author/LRW)

Describes a computer program, "Activation Energy," which is designed for use in physical chemistry classes and can be modified for kinetic experiments. Provides suggestions for instruction, sample program listings, and information on the availability of the program package. (ML)

Describes different applications of microcomputers for acquisitions and collection development in three of the university libraries at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Highlights include differences in hardware and software for similar tasks, utilization problems, generalizations about strategies for effective microcomputer use in collection…

Describes the use of electronic spreadsheet software for library decision support systems using personal computers. Discussion covers templates, formulas for allocating the materials budget, LOTUS 1-2-3 and budget allocations, choosing a formula, the spreadsheet itself, graphing capabilities, and advantages and disadvantages of templates. Six…

This column discusses the problem of character standard for computer keyboard, screen, and printer in relation to foreign language capability. Some solutions are offered, such as built-in screen flexibility, a graphics adapter with "font downloading" capability, and a new, relatively inexpensive graphics board--the multifont by Hash-Tech. (AMH)