An adventure game is a role-playing game that usually, but not always, has some fantasy aspect. The role-playing aspect is the key element because players become personally involved when they assume a role, and defeat becomes personal and less acceptable than in other types of games. Computer-based role-playing games are extremely popular because…

Reprinted from the "The Computing Teacher," this collection of nine articles presents information on computer software selection and evaluation. The articles include: (1) "The DISC Model for Software Evaluation and Support Material Design" (Shelley Yorke Rose and Carol Klenow); (2) "Selecting Computer Software--We Take It…

Issues arising from a symposium on microcomputer applications for young handicapped children concerned identification of realistic applications, instructional management, and need for research on effects of technology use. Recommendations in the area of curriculum, software, management, and personnel preparation were made and future directions…

The article describes three approaches to using microcomputers with children ages 8-16 who have special learning needs: (1) developing basic concepts and skills (e.g., spelling); (2) developing general concepts and skills (e.g., reporting); (3) developing global concepts (e.g., producing a newspaper). Examples of computer software for each area…

A file management computer program that allows secondary social studies students to store information on cards on a floppy disk and to retrieve all or parts of the data as needed is described. The program will help students develop information-processing skills in locating, organizing, interpreting, and presenting social data. (RM)

The installation of a local area network (LAN) to support two classrooms at Lehman College is described. The objectives were to improve the effectiveness of staff by reducing the time required for distributing and collecting diskettes and for maintenance of the diskette library, and to facilitate access to peripheral devices. (Author/MLW)

Outlines two traditions in the field of computer simulation, one focusing upon the character of the software within the computer, the other focusing upon the exercise outside the computer which the software is supporting. Topics discussed include mathematical modeling, gaming, information retrieval, decision monitoring, and applications in…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using an Apple Macintosh in a high school journalism department. Details the software available in the categories of layout ("Xpress" and "Pagemaker"), word processing ("Microsoft Word"), and graphics ("MacDraw,""Cricket Draw,""MacPaint," and…

Described is a computer network at the University of Houston known as MacLAN. It was designed to support the instructional program of the College of Education. Included is the information on how the network was organized, what was learned, and recommendations for similar efforts. (TW)

Argues that a special type of software (i.e., mindware) is needed to prepare students for life and work in the knowledge-based society of the 21st Century. Sees mindware as enabling students to experience the full range of inquiry skills, from data gathering to analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (DMM)

Claims that computer programs are needed that operate on commonly available microcomputers and provide guidance in the generation and interrogation of a writer's ideas. Discusses Hugh Burns' program "TOPOI" as an example. Describes ways in which a computer and operator can interact. Criticizes those who view open-response software merely…

Describes the general elements of the National Plan for Microcomputers in Scottish schools, a plan devised by the Scottish Microelectronic Development Programme, which stresses national standardization of computer systems for compatibility of software and communication links and development of national software application packages. (MBR)

Modeled after the program "Mastermind," this program teaches students the art of protein sequencing. The program (written in Turbo Pascal for the IBM PC, requiring 128K, a graphics adapter, and an 8070 mathematics coprocessor) generates a polypeptide whose sequence and length can be user-defined (for practice) or computer-generated (for…

Describes performance criteria for users of computer assisted instruction (CAI) that are used to provide users with feedback about their performance relative to other users. This study evaluated 146 novice users on their percentages of correct responses, time required for completion, and number of times the CAI tutorial was performed. (LRW)

Appraises the computer as a prewriting aid. Evaluates both the quality and quantity of ideas produced by various invention techniques and programs, and compares results of similar studies by Hugh Burns and Helen Schwartz. (NKA)