Instructors in technical education need to use diverse methods of teaching to provide for individual differences among learners. Use of microcomputers is particularly appropriate, because such use can impart knowledge as well as develop skills. Three philosophies of computer/software instruction in technical education can be identified: (1)…

The Computerized Observation System (COS) is a software program which an observer can use with a portable microcomputer to document preservice and inservice teacher performance. Specific observable behavior such as appropriate questions and responses shown to increase student achievement are recorded as Low Inference Observation Measures. Time on…

The sixth in a series, this report reviews microcomputer courseware authorized by the Alberta Department of Education from April 1986 through December 1986. (Although earlier publications in this series were cumulative, this edition and the fifth edition contain only new or revised reports.) This edition provides detailed evaluations of 39…

This report examines and evaluates the application of prototyping methodology in the design of a microcomputer-based online library catalog. The methodology for carrying out the research involves a five-part examination of the problem on both the theoretical and applied levels, each of which is discussed in a separate section as follows: (1) a…

This guide to references and sources of information for those exploring the use of microcomputers in secondary education, especially in the United Kingdom (UK), begins with brief descriptions of several government-sponsored projects to help students and colleges prepare for a microelectronics society. The guide then presents: (1) annotated…

Arguing that computers in education are necessary to prepare children to live in a future computerized society, this report examines the issues associated with computers in education in developing countries. The first of three parts provides a brief overview of how and why computers are used in education in developed countries; describes…

This project studied the feasibility of using microcomputers for gathering and transmitting farm record information to the analysis portion of the Farm Business Management Analysis (FBMA) program in Missouri. Considerations were given to improving the accuracy of data submitted, the turnaround time to complete the analysis, and other factors…

A microcomputer program was developed to facilitate and expedite the course planning and updating processes. Two vocational schools (one full-time and one part-time) were identified that had recently been or were involved in course revision. Two programs from each school were placed on the program disk. Data were placed on a data disk, and…

A report on a two-year study of the use of microcomputers in language arts programs in Ontario provides information on the following topics: background and orientation of the study; project goals and methods; summary of needs and recommendations from the first year of the study; results from the second year; and general recommendations. The study…

Since microcomputers are being used more and more frequently in the forest products industry in the Pacific Northwest, Green River Community College conducted a project to search for BASIC language computer programs pertaining to forestry, and when possible, to adapt such software for use in teaching forestry technology. The search for applicable…

To establish base line information on microcomputers and their use for K-12 schools in South Carolina, the State Office of Instructional Technology of the Department of Education conducted a survey of individual schools and school districts. Two different forms were used for the survey, one requiring the principal's signature, and one requiring…

This study was undertaken to determine whether convergent or divergent computer software better enhances children's critical and creative thinking skills. Subjects were 40 elementary students (4th, 5th, and 6th grades), who were randomly assigned to either convergent or divergent software treatment. These students interacted for 25 hours with…

The first of 10 sections in this report focuses on factors that will affect the evolution of Space Station Project (SSP) documentation systems. The goal of this project is to prepare the space station technical and managerial structure for likely changes in the creation, capture, transfer, and utilization of knowledge about the space station which…

This publication is designed to show how computers can be used effectively in secondary school mathematics curricula. Section I provides a description of the various types of software that could be incorporated into the secondary school mathematics curriculum. Procedures for evaluating the software and using it in a classroom or laboratory…

This study examines the literature in order to evaluate the use of microcomputers as educational tools in the classroom from kindergarten through the college level. Following a brief introduction, annotations for 38 articles are provided under the following topic headings: background articles containing statistics and examples of computer use;…