Designed to answer basic questions educators have about microcomputer hardware and software and their applications in teaching, this paper describes the revolution in computer technology that has resulted from the development of the microchip processor and provides information on the major computer components; i.e.; input, central processing unit,…

The benefits of management computer technology for both classroom and resource teachers of the hearing impaired are described. Their advantages in planning and organization tasks are illustrated by examples of the management system at Rochester School for the Deaf and its use in two specific areas: the reading checklist file and speech production…

The role of the computer as manager of instruction in special education is discussed. In Part 1, basic computer terms are introduced under the major headings of data measurement, hardware, and software. Part 2 focuses on selection criteria for microcomputers. Suggestions for evaluating software are given in terms of ease of use, documentation,…

The paper describes a microcomputer disk, Data Based Program Modification (DBPM), which allows special and regular educators to monitor the progress of each student, thereby perceiving the effectiveness of the instructional program. The advantages of such a formative evaluation approach are considered. The development of the DBPM is outlined in…

Adaptive Evaluation Structure (AES) is a set of linked computer programs designed to increase the effectiveness of interactive computer-assisted instruction at the college level. The package has four major features, the first of which is based on a prior cognitive inventory and on the accuracy and pace of student responses. AES adjusts materials…

In examining microcomputer uses in education, consideration must be given to hardware, software, and most importantly, the people who will use them. The educational software market is being affected by hardware manufacturers, educational publishers, independent software houses, user groups, and classroom teachers. Each of these groups has clearly…

This paper offers an historical perspective as to why teachers may be reluctant to accept new technologies, and what might persuade them to use computers in their classrooms. The analysis also suggests some methods for minimizing the inhibiting factors and maximizing the acceptance of computers in elementary and secondary school settings.…

A computer managed instruction (CMI) package to teach BASIC programming, together with questions to be answered in its evaluation, are described. The training package consists of 16 learning modules coupled; an interactive CMI system generates pretests and posttests for each module and branches students to the next appropriate module. It is…

The TITA (Totally Interactive Testing and Analysis) System algorithm for the repetitive construction of domain-referenced tests utilizes a compact data bank, is highly portable, is useful in any discipline, requires modest computer hardware, and does not present a security problem. Clusters of related keyphrases, statement phrases, and distractors…

A pilot study comparing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) generated with the assistance of the UNISTAR I microcomputer software program and teacher-written IEP is briefly described, and an IEP is appended. In addition, the time and costs associated with the development of IEPs and the interest in the application of microcomputers to develop…

Intended to provide educators with enough information about the educational uses of computers so that they can make responsible decisions about the usefulness of computers in their own instruction, this paper defines and describes a variety of computer uses and gives advice on the selection of appropriate computer equipment and software. The first…

The computer management system described, which administers tests and provides feedback to examinees, as well as progress summaries to instructional personnel, has been implemented at Florida State University. Located in the Assessment Resource Center (ARC), it has been used to manage the instruction of several thousand students enrolled in…

In some aspects, high school business education is the answer to the computer advocate's prayer. Because business education on the secondary level deals in part with numbers, measurement, word processing, and transfer of data by electronic means, it invites computer-aided instruction (CAI) and computer-managed instruction (CMI). The first…

This paper describes the history, philosophy, and outcomes of work at the Educational Technology Center at the University of California, Irvine, with particular emphasis on the activities of the Physics Computer Development Project. Ten years of evolution for the physics projects and its basis of grant support are examined, and a series of…

SPARS is a computer data base management system designed to aid the college professor in handling his students' grades and other classroom data. It can handle multiple sections and labs, and allows the professor to combine and separate these components in a variety of ways. SPARS seeks to meet the sometimes competing goals of simplicity of use and…