This report is the fourth in a series of reports which the PLATO Services Organization publishes to keep users up to date on curricular developments on the PLATO system. Materials are listed here under 71 subject areas. The report first presents all subject areas in which PLATO lesson development is in progress; it then provides a summary of…

Studies of natural dialogue indicate that people interact according to established patterns which are organized around the participants' goals. These patterns have been represented by a set of knowledge structures called "Dialogue-games" which are founded on conventional knowledge about communication and its uses to achieve goals. The…

Every accredited law school in the United States is required to maintain an adequate law library. The problems of developing a law library were discussed with the focus ofn the Hawaii School of Law's new library. (Author/RK)

Suggestions are offered for using computers to solve scientific problems rather than focusing on computer science itself. Suggested are scientific language programming, assembly-language programming, and logical design and business language programming. A summary of available equipment and some suggestions for program implementation are included.…

The development and implementation of a microcomputer-based system in a medical school's office of grants and contracts is described, with focus on the evolution from manual to minicomputer to microcomputer and the criteria for selecting appropriate software. (MSE)

Discusses the trends toward developing "spelling checkers" for word processing programs. Compares 19 different commercial dictionary programs with regard to word size, dictionary source, number of words checked, memory requirement, algorithm type, and cost. Cautions against becoming too dependent on spelling checkers, noting their shortcomings.…

An overall schema of interpretation for programming instructors is given, so that the misconceptions students develop in programming can be determined more readily. Types of language-independent and -dependent bugs, how they can be identified, and how to help students overcome them are addressed. (MNS)

Presents an overview of the Computer-Aided Engineering Network (CAEN) of the University of Michigan. Describes its arrangement of workstations, communication networks, and servers. Outlines the factors considered in hardware and software decision making. Reviews the program's impact on students. (ML)

Argues that the effective use of calculators is important for employees in many areas. Suggests ways that schools might incorporate calculators into mathematics instruction. (PK)

Describes workshops given at Ferris State University for faculty and staff who want to acquire computer skills. Considered are a computer literacy and a software toolkit distributed to participants made from public domain/shareware resources. Stresses the benefits of shareware as an educational resource. (CW)

Reports survey findings about two-year colleges' use of telecommunications. Reveals wide acceptance of satellite capabilities for various institutional purposes, significant numbers of colleges owning or operating broadcast television stations, widespread use of electronic mail and teleconferencing, and use of exotic forms of telecommunications by…

Discusses some of the major sources of information about basic biochemical research in Japan. Describes major publications, Japanese word processors, and future autotranslations. (TW)

Describes the Interactive Microcomputer Peripheral (including major features, source, and current cost) and physics experiments using the instrument. The instrument can also be used for such purposes as counting, timing, and frequency measurement as well as for experiments in biology and experimental psychology. (JN)

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…

Social Judgment Analysis, a formal decision model, is used to develop a decision support system that provides documentation on faculty accomplishments to assist faculties in making personnel decisions that are systematic, explicit, consistent, and retraceable. (Author/MSE)