Computer system hard drives will fail at some time. Stresses preparing to cope with emergencies that cannot be prevented, including making arrangements for use of an alternative computer in case of system failure. Outlines requirements for a computer environment; explains that backup is the key to disaster recovery. Describes four public domain…

Discusses a research design course in which undergraduates were taught to program microcomputers for the control of experimental tasks. Describes the teaching approach for the three-hour course unit, along with the experimental tasks that were performed. Reports that students ranked the programing of experimental tasks as important as other…

Contends that the proliferation of historical data has made knowledge of quantitative techniques and computers essential for the historian. Evaluates various database, statistical, and graphing packages available to scholars. Discusses implementing such technology in the teaching of history courses. (DB)

Described are four musical instruments constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The use of computerized synthesizers to play scales and chords is discussed. Suggestions for other illustrations of acoustics are included. (CW)

Elementary error estimation in the approximation of functions by polynomials as a computational assignment, error-bounding functions and error bounds, and the choice of interpolation points are discussed. Precalculus and computer instruction are used on some of the calculations. (KR)

Discussed is the use, importance, and availability of programmed algebraic manipulation packages. The general power summation formula is presented and an example using a programed numerical verification package is provided. (KR)

Described is software which allows a student to use simulation to produce analytical output as well as graphical results. The results include a frequency histogram of a selected population distribution, a frequency histogram of the distribution of the sample means, and test the normality distributions of the sample means. (KR)

Maintains that an article in this issue of the "Journal of Geography" was the first one submitted entirely by electronic means. Asserts that the use of electronic mail improved communication effectiveness between the author and the editor. Encourages everyone who has access to electronic mail to use it for communications with the journal. (CFR)

Reports on a study of seven preschool children engaged in drawing activities with traditional media (crayons, felt-tip pens, etc.) and a mouse-driven computer paintbox program. Finds that the same basic media-independent strategies are used when children try to establish a relationship between their mark-making actions and the resultant effects.…

Asserts that integrating disciplines is a goal of elementary social studies education. Presents a bibliographic essay describing instructional materials that can be used to integrate mathematics and social studies. Includes recommended photograph packages, computer databases, and data interpretation packages. (CFR)

Describes the background and implementation of "GeoSim," a multidisciplinary computer-based simulation used to teach introductory geography to college students. Discusses the four modules of the project. Maintains that "GeoSim" promotes interactive learning and outlines plans for Internet dissemination to geography educators.…

Modeling is important in science and in science education. Computer-based modeling opens up new possibilities for learning science, particularly now that appropriate software is available. This article describes high school students' use of Model Builder software in high school classrooms. (PR)

Reviews research on reading fluency and provides recommendations for teaching reading skills to students with mild disabilities. Interventions that are discussed include repeated reading, peer-mediated instruction, computer-guided practice, previewing, and combined instruction. (Author/CR)

Describes use of the little-known Shuttle Puzzle in computer programming to elucidate the process of analyzing a problem and synthesizing observations into an algorithm that can be used to generate a programming solution. The process used to solve the problem reflects one that an expert uses. The method could be adapted for small-group cooperative…

Discusses issues and practices in information management (IM) in a number of fields, with emphasis on the role of IM for institutional research and assessment, particularly in colleges and universities. Topics discussed include the scope of IM, the multiple uses of information, policy needs, administration of IM processes, taking an…