Discusses Pepperdine University's efforts to improve information technology literacy of its students/faculty, focusing on history of information technology at this mid-sized institution and its literacy commitment. Also discusses progress made on information technology initiatives, initiatives with a public orientation (including summer computer…

The computer simulation game "Curve-Fit" is described. Its overall objective is to fit curves to six different data sets by estimating the parameters of each curve. (MNS)

Discusses constructive ways to use microcomputers as educational aids. Areas considered include software packages with graphics capabilities to help students visualize their work, programs fostering skill development (including problem-solving), microcomputer rentals, use of computers to learn programing languages, and others. (JN)

Five articles discuss the use of computers in dance and dance education. They describe: (1) a computerized behavioral profile of a dance teacher; (2) computer-based dance notation; (3) elementary school computer-assisted dance instruction; (4) quantified analysis of dance criticism; and (5) computerized simulation of human body movements in a…

Four ways in which microcomputers can be turned into laboratory instruments are discussed. These include adding an analog/digital (A/D) converter on a printed circuit board, adding an external A/D converter using the computer's serial port, attaching transducers to the game paddle ports, or connecting an instrument to the computer. (JN)

The current organic synthesis program at Harvard University is called the Logic and Heuristics Applied to Synthetic Analysis (LHASA). Discusses this program in detail, focusing on retrosynthetic analysis approach, LHASA hardware, graphical input/perception, strategy control, transform evaluation, and LHASA enhancement. (JN)

Compares the rapid development of online bibliographic information retrieval systems with that of videotex, still in its experimental stages. Examples of equipment used and services offered in Canada are given. (Author/JJD)

Highlights the major design decisions for educators who are planning a microcomputer-based learning laboratory. Drawings and tables showing sample layouts, hardware and software attributes, funding sources, and lists of microcomputer periodicals are included. (JJD)

Urges instructors interested in applying computer technology in developmental education and learning assistance centers to survey campus and community computer resources, learn computer terminology, read computer literature, join computer organizations, and consult experts. Offers suggestions for choosing a computer system and programs, writing…

Introducing CHOICES, a computer-assisted guidance counseling service, in British Columbia changed the counselor's image, role, qualifications, and training and brought counselors closer to helping implement a career education program that embraced the total school curriculum in which teachers relate what is being taught to the careers students may…

This article contains suggestions on how teachers can prepare themselves for using computers in their classrooms. Inservice workshops, practicing on machines, and reading about computers are among the activities suggested. Pertinent books, magazines, and other sources of information are included. (PP)

The difficulty many students have in solving complex problems stems not from a lack of mathematical skill but from an inability to visualize the problem. An appropriately-structured computer game may assist students in achieving this visualization and in solving problems better. A heuristic approach in programing one game is provided. (Author/JN)

Discusses advantages of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in a community college writing/reading curriculum. Using word processing software, students write reports, themes, and essays on the microcomputer. Other software is used for learning vocabulary, grammar, reading rate and comprehension. Includes problems to avoid to ensure success in CAI…

Discusses efforts to provide new services that publish information more rapidly, provide faster/easier access to information already published, and package information in forms that are used more easily and efficiently. Considers primary information, electronic publishing (including benefits/problems), secondary (indexing/abstracting) information…

Six teachers who won microcomputers in a contest sponsored by "Instructor" report on their first year with the new machines. Computer programs and related class activities are discussed. (PP)