Designed to promote the use of microcomputers in reading instruction, this paper attempts to dispell apprehensions that the errors made when adapting television to the classroom may occur again with microcomputers. Examples of the failure of television to teach reading in the 1960s and 1970s are presented, and it is pointed out that television, a…

Describes a word processor exercise (using WordPerfect or similar software) for Spanish language students that was easy to design, convenient for students (who could perform the exercise on their own time), and effective in helping students review their lessons. (CB)

Offers basic advice on using a word processor to teach writing, from how to choose the appropriate software before selecting a computer and a printer, to the benefits of using a word processor instead of a typewriter. (NKA)

Discusses the need for and the problems with teaching keyboarding to elementary school students, and the types of software necessary for meaningful instruction. (JC)

Instructors at all levels can draw on a large number of geography software programs for use on microcomputers. This annotated listing describes some of these software programs. (RM)

Examines the nature of desktop publishing and how it can be used in the classroom for gifted/talented students. Characteristics and special needs of such students are identified, and it is argued that desktop publishing addresses those needs, particularly with regard to creativity. Twenty-six references are provided. (MES)

Describes four computer program features to avoid when using microcomputers for instruction: (1) fill-justified text, which may slow reading rate; (2) drill randomization, which may increase learning time needed; (3) timed pauses, which are based on averages that are seldom realized; and (4) flashing text, which may create negative attitudes among…

Describes a data acquisition system developed for an undergraduate engineering students' instructional laboratory at Georgia Tech. Special emphasis is placed on the design of an A/D Converter Board used to measure the viscosity and temperature of motor oil. The Simons' BASIC Program Listing for the Commodore 64 microcomputer is appended. (LRW)

Reviews a criterion-based evaluation of educational software at York University, Ontario, using the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES). Concern over the quality of available courseware is expressed, and the response of students and teachers is highlighted as the most important criterion for evaluation. (LRW)

Discusses the problems of teaching very young students to keyboard well enough to use a computer effectively in composition. Suggests that there is sufficient software to teach keyboarding as young as the fourth grade, and that teachers who have typing skills can teach keyboarding to their students. (JC)

Describes the development and implementation of computer software for use in the University of New Hampshire's foreign language programs, covering the evaluation of commercial software and faculty members' use of the MacLang authoring program to create their own software. (CB)

Discusses the contribution and use of personal computers in second language teaching and learning, including consideration of the previous general lack of use of IBM computers and of IBM's establishment of Advanced Education Projects at 19 universities to set up computer-assisted instructional programs. (CB)

Provides guidelines and practical advice for planning and running a computer lab for writing. (NKA)

Reports the results of three years of developing computer-assisted instruction in Italian for college first-year courses and discusses the program's advantages and disadvantages, including the use of the Commodore 64 computer, the alleviation of computer fear, computer mastery, and the possibility of error. (Author/CB)

Discussion of implementation plans for the introduction of microcomputers into secondary schools in Bahrain highlights the establishment of training programs for teachers, selection of appropriate hardware, and development of an Arabic Standard for software design. A brief overview of the structure of Bahrain's school system is given. (Author/LRW)