Describes EXTOL, a high-level computer programing language, which puts computer-assisted language production into the hands of the language teacher. Shows that teachers who are not computer specialists and whose familiarity with EXTOL is not of long standing can still create a wide variety of lessons. (SED)

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.…

Reviews 34 computer programs designed to help freshman writing students and their teachers either by providing instruction, supporting the composing process, or helping to manage classroom activities. Most of the programs run on microcomputers and are currently available; a few are included because they indicate interesting trends. (MBR)

Computer Assisted Practical Evaluation (CAPE) is a FORTRAN computer program which students use to verify answers obtained from experimental data. Generally, whenever an incorrect answer is supplied, students are asked to redo calculations and submit a revised value. Advantages and use of the program with chemistry classes are described. (JN)

Two educational publishers in the field of language instruction present their views on various issues concerning computer-assisted instruction (CAI). These include: the advantages of CAI, the concerns teachers generally have, arguments for publishers, and the editorial standards that publishers hope to see realized. (SL)

Discusses the demise of programed learning movement nearly 20 years ago, arguing that the lessons learned from the collapse of the movement have important implications for computer assisted instruction (CAI) today. Issues related to CAI, including the development of good software are considered. (JN)

The industrial education orientation program at Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD) presents problem-solving situations to all seventh- and eighth-grade hearing-impaired students. WSD developed user-friendly microcomputer software to guide students individually through complex computations involving model race cars and rockets while freeing…

A survey of 50 school districts assesses the extent to which special educators are moving beyond drill and practice software with learning disabled and emotionally disturbed students and identified factors preventing or discouraging applications beyond drill and practice. (Author/CL)

Assessed the effects of students' use of "Writer's Workbench" (a collection of computer textual analysis programs) in the business communication class. Found that assignment grades improved by the third semester, which may reflect the extensive refinements the authors made to the programs after the first two semesters. (PD)

Guidelines developed by the National Council for the Social Studies to help teachers eveluate and select social studies microcomputer software are presented. The guidelines are organized around three areas: knowledge, skills, and values. Additional systems for evaluating technical and instructional computer courseware issues are cited. (RM)

Describes how a Minnesota high school developed the use of microcomputers throughout every facet of the school during the past decade. (MD)

Provided are brief summaries and evaluations of selected social studies computer software for intermediate and secondary school students. (RM)

The Columbus, Ohio Public Schools operate four vocational career centers: Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center (MHEC), Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast Career Centers. These Centers offer vocational curricula, while maintaining academic standards similar to the learners home schools. However, Fort Hayes MEC also has the distinction of being…

This research assessed the academic impact of a computer-assisted instructional (CAI) software program to teach mathematics. The research hypothesis states that the use of the CAI program will produce superior academic achievement in mathematics for students who use the program compared to students instructed in mathematics without the program.…

A study was conducted to develop systematic methods for improving computer assisted learning (CAL) materials by comparing five coursewares produced by independent authors and related to high school math, science, and engineering. An evaluation instrument for improving CAL materials was developed. (Author/CMV)