Brief articles concern solving a polynomial equation of degree greater than two, an approach for teaching an ambiguous case in trigonometry, and built-in functions on calculators and computers. Two computer programs are listed. (MNS)

This paper investigates three methods for comparing medians rather than means in studying two independent treatment groups. The method that gave the best results is based on a normal approximation of the distribution of the sample median where the variance is estimated using results reported by Maritz and Jarrett. (Author/JAZ)

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)

The approaches taken by two elementary school teachers in using computers as tools to stimulate and guide mathematical thinking are described. One had students design a BASIC program for counting; the other used demonstration programs to develop ideas about fractions and decimals. (MNS)

Provides abstracts of five papers presented at the Fourth Annual Microcomputers in Education Conference. Papers considered microcomputers in science laboratories, Apple II Plus/e computer-assisted instruction in chemistry, computer solutions for space mechanics concerns, computer applications to problem solving and hypothesis testing, and…

Three articles discuss new computer hardware and software options which produce professional looking documents with the use of microcomputers; evaluate several computer programs that enable microcomputer users to design, typeset, and paste up publications electronically; and describe the Hewlett-Packard and Apple personal laser printers. (MBR)

The SilverPlatter system is a complete, stand-alone system, consisting of an IBM (or compatible) personal computer, compact disc with read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, software, and one or more databases. Large databases (e.g., ERIC, PsycLIT) will soon be available on the system for "local" installation in schools, libraries, and…

Presents a classification system of four microcomputer simulation types developed to evaluate their instructional processes: structured questions and graphics, variable-assignment exercises, diagnostic simulations, and group-interactive simulations. How this taxonomy contributes to three tasks associated with classroom use of software is…

Describes computerization of routine library procedures on Apple microcomputers at a small regional campus of Ohio University. Highlights include use of a database management program--PFS:FILE--for acquisition lists, equipment/supplies inventory, microfilm and periodicals management, and statistical manipulations, and a spreadsheet…

Defines local area networks (LANs); describes basic components and configurations of LANs; and discusses LANs benefits (reduced costs, better management of computer resources, enhanced communications) and pitfalls (hidden costs, time delays, network maintenance, lack of standardization, network security breaches, lack of network compatible…

One of the areas most often neglected by those responsible for information systems in colleges and universities relates to ownership, privacy, confidentiality, and security of data. Background information and definitions are provided, and a suggested environment is described. Model recommendations for institutional policy are offered. (MLW)

Discusses factors converging to create high-capacity, low-cost nature of next generation of microcomputers: a coherent vision of what graphics workstation and future computing environment should be like; hardware developments leading to greater storage capacity at lower costs; and development of software and expertise to exploit computing power…

Describes hardware and software requirements for interfacing a thermometer probe, via an analog and digital converter, to any Commodore PET, VIC-20, or Commodore-64 microcomputer (or other microcomputers with some modifications). Also describes use of the probe in an experiment measuring enthalpies of reaction to determine enthalpy of formation of…

Describes use of personal computer at George Mason University to provide support to the online catalog. Merging of bibliographic information in MS-DOS format into database management system and experimentation with full-text retrieval packages (ZyIndex and SIRE) are discussed. Addresses and price information for hardware and software packages…

Reviews important developments of Microsoft's first international conference on CD ROM, focusing on the announcement of a new medium called Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I). Discussion covers CD-I's design, applications, kinds of programming made possible compatibility with current CD ROM products, impact on consumer market, and impact on overall…