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)

Provides descriptions of seven computer programs (indicating program name, current cost, source, RAM needed, and compatible computers). Subject areas of the programs are algebra, astronomy, heredity, physics, medicine, and logic. (JN)

Curiosities offer an interesting alternative to traditional methods of attacking problems. An illustrative situation is given, with graphical, computer, and analytical methods used to solve the problem. (MNS)

How 125 seventh graders had three days of hands-on computer experience is described in some detail. Computer programs are included. (MNS)

A method for solving polynomial equations is discussed that relies on the user's seeing approximations to the roots of the equation. The equation is then manipulated to improve on that approximation. A computer program is included. (MNS)

Describes experiences involved in the development of a private file (software and hardware) at The Pillsbury Company over a period of approximately two decades. Evolution of the file, use of STAIRS (a sophisticated file-management system and search program), sample reports and entries, database structure, and online searching are highlighted. (EJS)

Defines and discusses the equipment and software needed to start telecommunicating: modems (speed, autodial or manual dial, stand-alone or built-in), telephones, telecommunications software, and commercial information services, including electronic mail and bulletin boards. Definitions, communications protocols, equipment features, and costs are…

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)

Describes modifications made to expand the capabilities of a display unit (Lear Siegler ADM-3A) to include medium resolution graphics. The modifying circuitry is detailed along with software subroutined written in Z-80 machine language for controlling the video display. (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)

Description of the portable Apple IIc includes its flat panel display; a new microprocessor, the 65CO2; its new design language; layout; documentation, including interactive tutorials; software support; and cost. Apple IIc's competitors and its new printer, the Scribe, are also discussed. (MBR)

Presents a prototype of a computerized grammar kit written in PROLOG and designed for children interested in exploring language. PROLOG's advantages for building parsers, generators, translators, and question-answering systems are discussed, and a scenario of a child working on a grammar project using the kit and implementation issues are…

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)

Machine translation has been criticized for its inability to provide language style, but for specialized or technical texts, of which there are increasing numbers, machine translation with its obligatory post-editing may be effective, and the "style" of these translations may be a reflection of the error patterns caught in post-editing. (MSE)

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…