Examines features of consumer online services (CompuServe, Source, Apple) highlighting electronic mail, job listing, news and "tip" information, financial services, programing, citizen band simulation, online encyclopedia, costs, Gamemaster (a game system in Evanston, Illinois), electronic bulletin boards, and communications software…

Included are abstracts of selected papers presented at the National Educational Computing Conference held in Baltimore in June 1983. The nine reports discuss varies computer uses at several levels, and includes a study of children's learning processes and software descriptions. (MNS)

The next wave of personal computers will be smaller, lighter, and easier to use. In addition, there will be increased speed, memory capacity, and standardization. Administrators will be limited only by their imagination in the use of this technology. (MLF)

A partial survey of programs available from nine nationally recognized computer software producers briefly describes the programs and points out some unique applications within the field of educational administration. (MLF)

Educational administrators need to become sufficiently computer literate to ask programers the necessary questions, to know and use the full range of computer capabilities, and to increase the computing capabilities of their schools. (MLF)

Describes Reflink, a system based on sophisticated information retrieval techniques which is housed in a small microcomputer, and its predecessor, Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES). The systems are placed in a conceptual framework involving stable and dynamic information, and several illustrations of multiple uses are presented. Four…

The computer simulation game "Curve-Fit" is described. Its overall objective is to fit curves to six different data sets by estimating the parameters of each curve. (MNS)

Discusses constructive ways to use microcomputers as educational aids. Areas considered include software packages with graphics capabilities to help students visualize their work, programs fostering skill development (including problem-solving), microcomputer rentals, use of computers to learn programing languages, and others. (JN)

Four ways in which microcomputers can be turned into laboratory instruments are discussed. These include adding an analog/digital (A/D) converter on a printed circuit board, adding an external A/D converter using the computer's serial port, attaching transducers to the game paddle ports, or connecting an instrument to the computer. (JN)

Highlights the major design decisions for educators who are planning a microcomputer-based learning laboratory. Drawings and tables showing sample layouts, hardware and software attributes, funding sources, and lists of microcomputer periodicals are included. (JJD)

Discusses advantages of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in a community college writing/reading curriculum. Using word processing software, students write reports, themes, and essays on the microcomputer. Other software is used for learning vocabulary, grammar, reading rate and comprehension. Includes problems to avoid to ensure success in CAI…

Six teachers who won microcomputers in a contest sponsored by "Instructor" report on their first year with the new machines. Computer programs and related class activities are discussed. (PP)

Discusses use of computer programs in handling such library tasks as cataloging, inventory, and circulation. Reviews several programs and provides a listing of available library software. These include library catalog programs, circulation/overdues programs, and inventory control. (JN)

Predicts that the availability of computers and demands for competency testing could drastically alter the character and uses of standardized testing by the end of the century. Warns administrators to begin preparing for the future in order to prevent misuse of the new computer capabilities. (PGD)

In February 1983, Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District in California's Silicon Valley will link its school computer to privately owned microcomputers in students' homes. Funded by a $75,000 grant from the Atari Foundation, the link will initially help students to match their school records with college admissions requirements. (RW)