The article reviews ways in which software can be modified for students with mild learning difficulties and criteria for evaluating software in terms of its appropriateness to school curriculum, software format, and its effectiveness in ameliorating learning difficulties of individual children. (CL)

Computer assisted learning, (CAL) which embodies an interactive approach to learning, is distinguished from computer assisted instruction, and the usefulness of CAL with mildly handicapped students is considered. A project is described in which eight special education students used Turtle Graphics for developing thinking and problem solving…

The article examines the history of computer assisted instruction (CAI), compares the beginnings of television with the beginnings of microcomputers, and examines the components of CAI (drill and practice, tutoring, instructional games, simulation, problem solving, demonstration, and mini-programs). Issues such as compatability and effects on…

Designed for student use in solving linear programming problems, the interactive computer program described (EZLP) permits the student to input the linear programming model in exactly the same manner in which it would be written on paper. This report includes a brief review of the development of EZLP; narrative descriptions of program features,…

Intended to provide a frame of reference for a symposium on automated aids to instructional design and development (ID), this paper accomplishes three tasks: (1) it outlines problems encountered in ID--e.g., complexity of curriculum planning and instruction development, quality maintenance in the ID process and products, and cost effectiveness--in…

Describes the current problems affecting the introduction of microcomputers into education. There are still not enough pedagogically sound programs and security precautions often make it difficult to evaluate new ones adequately. Most of the existing computer languages are not suitable for teachers' use. (AM)

This paper is designed to provide the educator with an overview of instructional applications of the computer, along with important issues related to each application. Applications discussed include computer managed instruction, drill and practice, simulation, computer assisted testing, instructional games, tutorials, problem solving, and…

The section includes four articles on the use of computers for gifted students. Topics covered include basic information for parents, care and operating routines, a curriculum guide for computer literacy, the computer's role in problem solving, and computer applications for mathematically gifted students. (CL)

Computer-enhanced simulation of models permits students to become subjectively involved in interaction with the computer. A method for developing a computer simulation is described, and three examples of computer simulations are given. (JN)

Discusses microcomputer network benefits; points out their current shortcomings in the areas of software availability and legal use, required equipment, and vendor reliability; describes how to set up a worthwhile specialized network despite these shortcomings; and outlines reasons for expecting networks to play a larger future role in education.…

Offers explanations of various uses of computers with children, placing appropriate applications into a developmental framework. (MP)

Explains the three main concepts of the system dynamics approach to model building (dynamics, feedback, and systems) and the basic steps to problem solving by simulation applicable to all educational levels. Some DYNAMO commands are briefly described. (EAO)

Presents five research designs--sequential analysis, value added analysis, nonequivalent dependent variables, regression discontinuity, cohort design--for studying computer-based teaching methods when a randomized two-group design is impractical; provides examples of studies employing these designs and decision flowchart; and discusses selection…

Discusses some of the problems of implementing computer-aided learning (CAL) in a university environment and describes a centralized CAL service agency that was created at the University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Courseware development and implementation are described, and CAL research and evaluation are discussed. (16 references) (LRW)

A detailed analysis and computer-based solution to a puzzle addressing the arrangement of dominoes on a grid is presented. The problem is one used in a college-level data structures or algorithms course. The solution uses backtracking to generate all possible answers. Details of the use of backtracking and techniques for mapping abstract problems…