Two studies compared strengths and deficiencies in the problem solving abilities of about 80 learning disabled and 110 nondisabled fifth and sixth graders using a microcomputer as an assessment tool. No significant differences in performance on problem solving tasks were found. The microcomputer is postulated as possibly responsible for this…

A mechanism for using personal computer spreadsheet software to generate unique laboratory and problem assignments in optics for each student and provide corresponding solutions that can be checked quickly is described. The method minimizes some students' tendency to inspect others' solutions without solving problems themselves. Another…

The author discusses how to select microcomputer software for an accounting program and what types of instructional modes to use. The following modes are examined: problem solving, decision making, automated accounting functions, learning new accounting concepts, reinforcing concepts already learned, developing independent learning skills, and…

Originally marketed as a personal organizer for mobile business executives and ardent technophiles, the handheld computer is beginning to catch educators' notice. A handful of school districts are piloting large-scale use of these portable devices, ranging in price from $149 to $450. (MLH)

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): VERSION: Copyright 1979. PRODUCER: Mentor Software, Inc., Box 8082, St. Paul, Minnesota 55113. EVALUATION COMPLETED: March 14, 1982 by the staff and constituents of Texas Region X Educational Service Center. COST: $19.95. ABILITY LEVEL: Grade 11+. SUBJECT:…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): PRODUCER: MECC Publications, 2520 Broadway Drive, St. Paul, MN 55113. LOCAL DISTRIBUTORS: Contact producer for list. EVALUATION COMPLETED: Fall 1981, revised February 1, 1982. VERSION: 4.3. COST: Varied; sold in package of several programs on a disk at $30…

The computer has not yet reached its full potential in the secondary school. Besides instructional usage, present usages of the computer include computer-managed instruction, acquisition of basic skills, teaching computer literacy, evaluating occupational information, and providing data about colleges and universities. (Author/JN)

Under normal instructional circumstances, some youngsters learn programming in BASIC or LOGO better than others. Clinical investigations of novice programmers suggest that this happens in part because different students bring different patterns of learning to the programming context. Many students disengage from the task whenever trouble occurs,…

The instructional media created by microcomputers interconnected by modems to form long-distance networks present some powerful new opportunities for education. While other uses of computers in education have been built on conventional instructional models of classroom interaction, instructional electronic networks facilitate a wider use of…

Discusses the advantages of using content specific problem solving as a vehicle for undergraduate instruction in biology, and describes different software tools used to implement this model. The areas discussed include simulated laboratories, the construction of binary classification schemes using computer programs, and scientific writing using…

Describes a project designed to develop 50 tutorial lessons for students having difficulty with specific types of physics problems. Because the intent was to tutor problem solving rather than teach physics concepts, lessons were designed for use after classroom instruction had occurred. Includes project goals, development, implementation, results,…

Solutions Unlimited is a computer/video project developed by the Agency for Instructional Television (AIT) in collaboration with a consortium of state, provincial, and local education agencies. The goal of the project is to improve the problem-solving skills of students in grades 6 through 8 through the use of brief instructional television…

The standards developed for reform in mathematics education by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) de-emphasize the algorithmic manipulation of mathematical symbols. The NCTM takes the position that the rapidly changing workplace is an environment that requires problem-solving skills with computers being used to perform routine…

The fifth in a series, this report reviews Apple microcomputer courseware--and some IBM computer courseware--authorized by Alberta Education from June 1985 to March 1986. It provides detailed evaluations of 97 authorized programs in business education (11), business education/math (1), computer literacy (4), computer literacy/math/problem solving…

The sixth in a series, this report reviews microcomputer courseware authorized by the Alberta Department of Education from April 1986 through December 1986. (Although earlier publications in this series were cumulative, this edition and the fifth edition contain only new or revised reports.) This edition provides detailed evaluations of 39…