Based on a survey of several thousand department heads and instructors in ten disciplines, eight conclusions regarding the current use of computers for instructional purposes are discussed. One conclusion appears to be that many schools make little or no use of computing in undergraduate instruction. (JN)

Computers can effectively present many forms of instructional material. Computers can also facilitate response-judging; provide feedback; store, index, and retrieve collections of information pertaining to instruction; and assist teachers with many administrative functions. (JN)

Described is part of the O.P.E. laboratory computer-based biology program designed for undergraduate medical and biology students. Described is an embryology dialogue in which the student proceeds through three stages in the knowledge and understanding of the concept of competence. (Author/DS)

Reviews recent developments in instructional processes and urges us, with several arguments, to move forward. (Editor/RK)

Presents an overview of the growth of work in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) over the last 40 years. Notes formative influences and contributing disciplines and discusses technology, applied problems, and the design for usability. Outlines issues that pose problems for HCI in the near future. Seven figures show growth in media. (141 references)…

Describes a laboratory experiment using AMPAC (a computer program) in conjunction with infrared spectroscopy. The experimental procedure and a list of questions for discussion are provided. Typical data are presented. (YP)

Describes results of a survey of secondary school and college teachers that was conducted to determine subject matter that should be included in educational computing journals. Areas of interest included computer applications; artificial intelligence; computer-aided instruction; computer literacy; computer-managed instruction; databases; distance…

Examines if a self-paced, interactive microcomputer delivery system can decrease the time needed and improve the level of mastery as compared with a traditional self-paced instructional approach. Uses high school physics students with five activities and reports that no differences were found. (MVL)

Described is an article that describes an adaptive computer tutor for arithmetic entitled "Shopping on Mars." The purpose of the tutor is to help children develop an extensive repertoire of information techniques for performing arithmetic in everyday situations and to learn to formulate shortcuts in problem solving. Results of…

The author suggests that spreadsheet computer programs can be an effective tool in the mathematics classroom. In addition to being used to solve many real-world problems, spreadsheets can be used to promote understanding of concepts and principles from geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. (PK)

Discussed is how globally networked, easy-to-use computers can enhance learning only within an educational environment that encourages students to question "facts" and seek challenges. The strengths and weaknesses of computers used as amplifiers for learning are described. (KR)

Computer labs using Calculus T/L were introduced into Calculus I classes at Christopher Newport University. A description of the labs, the instructor's experiences in using the labs, and student reactions are detailed. Contains instructions for Lab I involving inputting functions, finding difference quotients, and sketching a graph. (Author/MDH)

Discusses ideas and observations about the development, use, and pedagogy of computer-based case scenarios. Outlines two large computer-based case scenarios written to help students develop their skills and knowledge in business information systems. Considers factors in the design of computer-based case scenarios and related activities that might…

The authors recount some challenges associated with teaching poetry to high school students and describe how an interactive software program to generate "found" poetry based on student input helped simulate dialogue about words and word choices. (AEF)

Over 2 semesters, 15 first-year German students used a real-time networking program on the Macintosh in computer-assisted class discussion. Students interact directly with each other rather than interacting mainly with the teacher. Data (number of turns/entries, sentence types) are appended. (Contains 25 references.) (JP)