Highlights the advantages of word processors and spelling checkers in improving student writing skills. Explains how spelling checkers work and describes the types of available checkers. Also provides lists of Apple, IBM, and Commodore word processors and checkers. (ML)

In the 1970s, the Federal Republic of Germany embarked on a national program of using computers in education. Examines the impact of implementing the program, focusing on: results of curriculum development efforts; programing and teacher training; and computing related to vocational education. (JN)

This study concerned conceptual difficulties of college students learning programming and ways the teacher can simplify the process. An analysis of general strategies used in solving problems involving loops is given, with four types of hierarchical strategy categorized. Students had difficulty transforming their algebraic descriptions into…

Annotates reference material on artificial intelligence, mostly at an introductory level, with applications to education and learning. Topics include: (1) programing languages; (2) expert systems; (3) language instruction; (4) tutoring systems; and (5) problem solving and reasoning. (JM)

Presents highlights of a December 1985 report on Soviet scientific capabilities. One finding is that a new emphasis on computing advances and instrumentation may weaken basic research in this country. (JN)

Expands on results of a previous published 1982 study which examined the status of computer science teacher certification in the 50 United States. Also reports on some of the trends, issues, and recommendations related to computer science certification. Includes actions taken in Arizona, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, and Ohio. (JN)

Introduces a flexible, versatile notetaking system, BASIC Microcomputer Notes, which helps college students preorganize notes to systematically record most unique types of information (program statement numbers, verbatim computer commands, subroutines, flowcharts, and diagrams) presented in a beginning microcomputer programing course. (MBR)

Joseph Weizenbaum (author of the computer program ELIZA) discusses his views about educational computing, pointing out why he is not convinced that children below the tenth grade benefit from the introduction of computers into the curriculum, and why larger educational issues must be addressed. (JN)

Examines two primary roles played by natural language processing in storage and retrieval of information and outlines organization of natural language interface for data retrieval (question-answering system) and approaches being taken to text analysis. Research issues in computational linguistics and interactive knowledge acquisition are…

Discusses several ways in which computers are being used in sociology and how they continue to change this discipline. Areas considered include data collection, data analysis, simulations of social processes based on mathematical models, and problem areas (including standardization concerns, training, and the financing of computing facilities).…

Educators at Whitney High School (Cerritos, CA) provide a detailed example of the extensive planning required to integrate microcomputers into all areas of the school curriculum. Implementation was achieved by establishing a unique writing laboratory, which is described. (JN)

Presents a problem to produce a chart in which a driver can look up the time in seconds it took to travel one mile and find out how fast the car was traveling in miles per hour. Several programs to solve the problem are listed and discussed. (JN)

Surveyed science educators to determine (1) if colleges and universities are providing science teachers with computer-oriented training and content-dependent applications and (2) what role science educators have in this training. A majority of respondents provide microcomputer opportunities for both preservice and inservice teachers. (JN)

A computerized automatic dialing system that phones parents during the evening has raised the attendance rate at a Texas school to 97 percent. The system documents the numbers called, calls answered, and those unanswered, redials busy signals and unanswered numbers, and is capable of recording parent response. (MLF)

Discusses where and when word processing training should take place, prerequisites to word processing training, modifying vendor training materials, building drills and repetition into lessons, which computer operations to include in word processing curriculum, beginning lessons with a review, and teaching the use of documentation. (CT)