Presents practical teaching suggestions selected from commercially available materials and also submitted by readers that can easily be adapted to different grade levels. Contains eight computer based activities which provide experience with spreadsheets, random number functioning, word puzzles, survey plotting, graphics, and Logo programming. (ML)

Judah Schwartz, co-director of the newly National Institute of Education-funded Educational Technology Center (which will investigate ways various technologies can have positive effects on K-12 mathematics, science, and computer science), offers his views on various topics and issues related to computer science education. (JN)

Discusses three programs where mirocomputers were added to the classroom to introduce technology and aid in instruction. Presents a high school chemistry class with a modem hookup to Purdue University, an elementary facility to track students by mastery, and a project where fourth graders each received a computer for home. (MVL)

Presents five activities suitable for middle grades. These include listings for a car race (BASIC) and poetry (Pilot) programs, and activities on graphics without programing, new meanings (related to computers) of old words, and developing a list of historical events. (JN)

Introduces the 1988 IBM/Classroom Computer Learning teacher of the year. Explores some of his teaching methods and ideas. Discusses his winning project of having students do research projects using a modem hookup to CompuServe. (MVL)

Presents preliminary findings from the "Second National Survey of Instructional Uses of School Computers." Areas explored include how many teachers regularly use computers with students, what subjects computer-using teachers teach, who gets to use school computers (boys or girls), and other areas. (JN)

Presents practical teaching suggestions selected from commercially available materials and also submitted by readers that can be easily adapted to different grade levels. Contains seven computer based ideas on topics such as computerized banking, database management, trigonometry applications, timing programs, keyboard use, and programming…

Highlights the advantages of word processors and spelling checkers in improving student writing skills. Explains how spelling checkers work and describes the types of available checkers. Also provides lists of Apple, IBM, and Commodore word processors and checkers. (ML)

Joseph Weizenbaum (author of the computer program ELIZA) discusses his views about educational computing, pointing out why he is not convinced that children below the tenth grade benefit from the introduction of computers into the curriculum, and why larger educational issues must be addressed. (JN)

Presents practical teaching suggestions selected from commercially available materials and also submitted by readers that can be easily adapted to different grade levels. Includes seven computer-based activities on topics such as map-making, word games, database logic, concatenation, and one-line programs. (ML)

Suggests having students design a football field (looking at it from above) as the final project of a unit on computer graphics. Includes listings for 13 short Applesoft programs (involving LO- and HI-RES graphics) which students can use in making the field. Advanced students can use the animation techniques. (JN)

Discusses how to use vector graphics programming on Apple microcomputers for creating animation. Secondary school students with programming experience should be able to master the essentials of the two-stage technique, especially if they have already worked with LOGO graphics. (JN)

Readers of Classroom Computer Learning were asked for a definition of computer literacy; a summary of their responses is provided. Three opinions offered are that computer literacy instruction should begin early, that it should be made compulsory, and instruction should also focus on use of tool programs and education software. (JN)

Indicates that easy-to-use word processing programs may lack important features that students need as they progress beyond the introductory level, showing how several powerful commands are used for multiple-class projects, class journals, and other classroom activities. Also compares (in chart format) six popular word processing programs. (JN)

Learning how to create smooth animation on the computer is a two-step process. Step one (discussed in SE 539 133) involves creating shapes. In the second step, students animate their newly created shapes. The programing necessary to accomplish the animation is discussed. (JN)