Describes a sociology course in which the word processor was used as an aid for teaching writing. States that the personal computer could have its greatest pedagogical impact as a device to improve students writing. Concludes that word processors have been shown to be effective tools for encouraging students to write and improve required papers.…

In response to complaints about a suburban Washington school district's handling of job applicant data, Fairfax County (Virginia) designed and programed a computerized applicant-tracking system that can accommodate 14,000 active applicants. This system has boosted the district's recruitment analysis and report generation capability, thereby…

Discusses computer applications for language instruction. Endorses a transactional model of language learning and defines a paradigm for computer use. Stresses a process orientation rather than the product orientation of other models. (RB)

Discusses fear of, or anxiety about, using computers as expressed by teachers, counselors, and administrators in schools where computers have been introduced. Views computers as just another piece of technology, much like the typewriter or telephone. Presents background and understanding of sources of computerphobia to help counselors overcome…

Surveys the varied roles computers play in public relations education. Asserts that, because computers are used extensively in the public relations field, students should become acquainted with the varied capabilities of computers and their role in public relations practice. (MM)

Described is a statistical methodology course offered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The course covers descriptive statistics as well as some procedures for estimating and testing hypotheses. Students use computer statistical packages and write a computer program for some statistical procedures. (RH)

Reviews the book CASE STUDIES OF MICROCOMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM by Olson and Eaton (1986). Considers the structure and content of the report, the research philosophies and strategies endorsed, and teacher conceptions of educational computer uses. States that traditional methods of educational research are used and that few probing questions about…

Offers recommendations to assist in introducing or expanding computer assistance in student affairs. Describes need for automation and considers areas of choosing hardware and software, funding and competitive bidding, installation and training, and system management. Cites greater efficiency in handling tasks and data and increased levels of…

Provides an introduction to robotic technology, and describes current robot models. Three ways of using robots in education are discussed--as exemplars of other processes, as objects of instruction, and as prosthetic aids--and selection criteria are outlined. (17 references) (CLB)

Outlines an approach that integrates the microcomputer into the entire research process. Describes student use of the microcomputer before, during, and after an experiment. Discusses the benefits that students derive from conducting research using microcomputers. (Author/GEA)

The unique talents of the computer are being used to help students break through conceptually difficult topics, such as the difference between heat and temperature, the relationship between weight and density, and the "word problems" that often stymie students.

Describes the experiences and concerns of a novice computer-using teacher as she integrated computers into her introductory sociology course. Issues discussed include the amount of time required to implement a meaningful unit of instruction, problems of matching appropriate use with existing software, and anxiety of students and instructor.…

This article describes how an eighth grade class developed a computer-based social studies simulation on the Great Depression. Included are objectives for such development activities, a set of steps for guiding development, a discussion of potential difficulties and rewards, data on student reactions to simulation development, and information on…

This article presents a compilation of computer resources for elementary and secondary social studies. Included are books, software directories, periodicals, journal articles on classroom applications, selected software with ordering information, and information about on- line data bases. (JDH)

Provides a review of research on the use of computers in education. Concludes that the computer's ability to provide active learning with sustained attention and consistent feedback make it a useful teaching tool for a wide variety of subjects. Urges more research into the physical, social, and instructional contexts in which computerized…