Reports on a study which compared the effectiveness of microcomputer simulated experiences with that of parallel, hands-on laboratory instruction for teaching the concept of volume displacement to junior high school students. Results indicated that computer simulated experience were as affective as hands-on laboratory experiences. (TW)

Describes the use of a precalibrated stainless steel thermistor, interfaced with an Apple computer, in chemistry experiments. Discusses the advantages of "instant" temperature readings in experiments requiring that readings be taken at certain intervals. Outlines such an experiment which investigates freezing point depressions. (TW)

Discusses the use of two different computer applications to teaching college chemistry. Describes the "electric laboratory notebook" (ELN) courseware and its use in an instrumental analysis course. Provides an overview of the use of commercial spreadsheet programs in the chemistry laboratory. (TW)

Discusses some of the uses of teleconferencing for administrators, teachers, and students. Explains the basic concepts behind teleconferencing, providing examples of online systems and their potential for use by educators. Describes some advantages and disadvantages for both educators and students in utilizing this technology. (TW)

Reports on a study designed to investigate the attitudes of practicing teachers and student teachers regarding the educational use of computers. Results indicated that both groups of teachers surveyed believed their students should be computer literate and advocated the increased use of computers in education. (TW)

Reviews two software packages; "Block It, An Instructional Game" and "Conquering Whole Numbers." The first is a simulation game which uses graphic representation of base-ten blocks to reinforce place value and regrouping. The second package is designed to give students in grades three through six practice in computation. (PK)

Promotes the development of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs as a way of educating illiterate parents and nonreading adults in general. Notes several programs of this nature already in operation around the nation. Describes some nonthreatening courseware that is being used to recruit more adults into such programs. (TW)

Discusses some of the potential for using computer-assisted interactive videodisks in teaching chemistry laboratory techniques. Describes an effort currently underway at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) where 18 interactive videodisk lessons dealing with kinetics, equilibrium and the behavior of gases have been developed. (TW)

Describes eight applications of the use of computers in teaching chemistry. Includes discussions of audio frequency measurements of heat capacity ratios, quantum mechanics, ab initio calculations, problem solving using spreadsheets, simplex optimization, faradaic impedance diagrams, and the recording and tabulation of student laboratory data. (TW)

Warns that educational software suffers in quality because programmers have generally ignored the role of the curriculum. Recommends steps for developing computer assisted instructional software and describes the roles of content experts, designers, and programmers in the process. (TW)

Contains evaluations of two computer software packages, "Simulation Experiments 45-48 in Epstein's Laboratory Manual for Chemistry" and "Maps and Legends--the Cartographer (Ver 3.0)." Includes a brief description, applications, and the perceived strengths and weaknesses for each package. (CW)

Reviews six software packages for the Apple II family. Programs reviewed include "Science Courseware: Earth Science Series"; "Heat and Light"; "In Search of Space: Introduction to Model Rocketry"; "Drug Education Series: Drugs--Their Effects on You'"; "Uncertainties and Measurement"; and "Software Films: Learning about Science Series," which…

Discusses coordinate systems, units of measure, scaling and levels as they relate to a database generated by a computer in a spatial rather than planer location. Describes geometric-oriented input, direct coordinates, transformations, annotation, editing and patterns. Stresses that hand drafting emulation is a short-sighted approach to…

Examines the historical development of logarithm tables. Suggests that students should write computer programs to calculate logarithms. (PK)

Points out two areas of difficulty in teaching Newtonian dynamics. Describes several alternatives to physics learning using new technology. Details the use of the LOGO computer language in teaching simple Newtonian environments. Suggests the potential for creating new learning experiences in dynamics with new technology. (CW)