This paper describes SEF.ASSISTANT, a special software shell for authoring languages to be used in the development of courseware serving computer based education (CBE). The capabilities of SEF.ASSISTANT are identified: (1) it will generate programs written in the IBM SEF.PC authoring language; (2) it is compatible with external standard software…

The report presents findings and materials developed in an investigation of the value of microcomputers and specially designed software materials in mathematics instruction with 90 learning disabled, emotionally impaired, and mentally retarded students in elementary, middle school and high school classes. Ss were divided into three groups:…

Fiscal and monetary policies taught in macroeconomic principles courses are concepts that might require both lecture and simulation methods. The simulation models, which apply the principles gleened from comparative statistics to a dynamic world, may give students an appreciation for the problems facing policy makers. This paper is a report of a…

Microcomputers can be used with simulation software to provide students both with experience in the "real world" of decision making and feedback on the decisions made. Such software allows individual students to choose the roles they wish to play from a menu of diverse roles and provides alternatives for them to consider for each decision to be…

The paper reviews international research on computer assisted learning (CAL) for special populations and examines the issue in terms of the Canadian policy perspective. Data collection techniques included interviews and field observations with researchers, manufacturers, and policy makers. A generic model is proposed for special education computer…

The paper is intended to help rehabilitation professionals use computer hardware and software in serving their clients and improving their professional associations and practices. Four types of computer applications are addressed (examples in parentheses): (1) assistive devices (environmental control systems, writing devices); (2) software to help…

This paper proposes the idea that in smaller countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, computer-assisted education may be creating an era of neo-colonialism in education. The paper discusses the problems of attempting to develop and maintain intellectual and cultural independence in an age of high technology. In countries such as Australia…

Designed for use by South Carolina school districts planning to include microcomputer language arts software for grades one through eight in teaching the Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) objectives in grades one through eight, this booklet presents titles of software programs given a favorable review by review services, and correlates them…

The effectiveness of the instructional use of computers as measured by student achievement is examined. Attention is given to the following issues: (1) attributes that may make computer instruction applicable to students with mild learning problems; (2) problems and limitations of computer instruction; and (3) future potential and needs of…

Children with learning or adjustment problems can profit from carefully managed application of educational technology. Success in such a venture depends on the quality of the microcomputer, the software, and the operator of the system. A model analyzing this triadic interaction notes variables associated with the computer (hardware resources,…

Software for computer assisted instruction in writing (CAI/writing) can be described in terms of "generations." The earliest (because easiest) application of computers to writing instruction was in the area of drill and practice. By focusing on one or another element of basic skills, well-designed drill and practice software provides instruction…

The report reviews the implementation of computer programs in special education in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and describes specific applications at the Prospect Learning Center, a special elementary school for moderately to severely learning disabled students. Goals for a 3-year project on computers in DCPS are listed. A brief…

General guidelines for a process evaluation of software for a specific subject and grade include: (1) Specify instructional objectives and list desired software program characteristics; (2) Access and review descriptions of programs (information sources for math programs are listed); (3) Preview software; and (4) Compare and make purchase…

Reviews the authors experience in teaching a senior-level undergraduate course entitled: "Using a Microcomputer to Enhance Historical Research and Writing." The class used Ashton-Tate's FRAMEWORK, an integrated program that combines filing, outlining, word processing, and other functions. Includes the syllabus and student reactions to the course.…

Discusses the rich potential of Logo (a computer programing system for children) and particularly LogoWriter (its word processor) as learning tools in the language arts. Cautions against their use as rote exercises. (SR)