Three eras of educational computer use may be identified: (1) 1960s--large mainframe use and beginning of time-sharing; (2) 1970s--microcomputer utilization and continuation of time-sharing; and (3) late 1970s to 1980s--microprocessor/microcomputer classroom use. Networking is trying to solve limitations of microcomputers for many instructional…

The basic principles of computing are explained and a discussion of how a computer performs its "logical" functions is presented. A dictionary of some computer terms is provided. (MLW)

Forty-eight mathematicians in industry, business, and government replied to a questionnaire on the relative merits of the traditional undergraduate curriculum, advanced topics in pure mathematics, computer programing, additional computer science, and specialized or applied topics. They favored programing and applied mathematics, along with a…

Describes types of computer science and data processing courses, programs, and curricula currently being offered in the United States and Canada. Indicates that the structure chosen by colleges for implementation depends on such factors as type of industry need, student clientele, faculty expertise, industry/college cooperation, and others. (JN)

Discusses recent progress in artificial intelligence in such narrowly defined areas as medical and electronic diagnosis. Also discusses use of expert systems, man-machine communication problems, novel programing environments (including comments on LISP and LISP machines), and types of knowledge used (factual, heuristic, and meta-knowledge). (JN)

Health educators are reacting today to what the author calls the third revolution in computers in education-- the use of microcomputers as teaching machines. He defines each revolution, as well as discussing how the fourth revolution, the portable microcomputer, is already underway. (JMK)

Discusses a four-point plan for setting up computer literacy programs for teachers and students. Plan focuses on involving existing education agencies; providing leadership; designing a teacher training program; and providing a feeling of belonging, security, and success for staff members. (JN)

Describes the computer literacy program at Vassar College. Included are discussions of the computer literacy program core course, literacy program follow-up courses, types of projects in which computers were used, role of the program coordinator, as well as comments on future endeavors (such as grant support for faculty/student computer…

Discusses the use of microcomputers at a middle school in Wayland, Mass., including activities in the computer room and formal computer instruction in grade six. Also discusses rationale for approaches taken, such as working with a variety of microcomputers and computer use in different subject areas. (JN)

Presents five teaching activities for early elementary children, including BASIC multiplication, creating picture using LOGO recursive procedure, and use of commas and semicolons with BASIC. Also discusses flowcharting techniques and cross-age tutoring. Includes "Computing without a Computer" by Evelyn Woldman, discussing use of a programmable toy…

Offers such teaching activities as a one-line program contest, field trips, examining job openings in newspapers, and a writing activity speculating what would happen if robots did not follow Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics." Includes "Logo Goes to High School" by E. Paul Goldenberg, discussing problem-solving tasks…

Presented are sources of information on a wide range of topics related to microcomputers in general and chemistry in particular. Sources described include "Journal of Chemical Education,""Collegiate Microcomputer,""SIAM News,""Creative Computing,""Byte," and others. Types of articles/information found in these publications are briefly considered.…

Discusses the current microcomputer revolution, focusing on issues related to equal accessibility to the vast array of information technologies that are currently transforming our society. A comparison of schools which have and do not have microcomputers is included. (JN)

Describes "Josef," a robot programing language similar to the LOGO turtle language, which has been designed as an instructional system through which the algorithmic problem-solving skills required in computer programing can be developed and tested in a controlled learning environment. Four figures and a reference list are included. (JL)

The proliferation of personal computers in home/schools and use of computer chips in educational toys has led to a rethinking of ideas about education and fun, and ways the two can combine to provide youngsters with enjoyable and profitable learning experiences. Provides examples of commercially available computer-oriented educational toys/games.…