The University of California (Irvine) has automated its scoring of placement tests to incoming freshmen and women with specialized administrative software that interfaces a microcomputer with an optical card reader. The university's placement testing program, the computerized system, and advantages of the system are explained. (JN)

How to construct a magic square is explained and a computer program is listed. A proof is presented. (MNS)

This issue discusses the relevance of microcomputers to evaluation research and program evaluation. The relevance of software designed to aid in making decisions, establishing relations through statistical analysis, and gathering information is emphasized. The relevance of hardware, word processing, and teaching is also discussed. (BS)

Describes the Biblio-Link and Pro-Cite software packages, which can be used together to create local databases with downloaded records, or to reorganize and repackage downloaded records for client reports. (CLB)

Reviews MICRO-ISIS, a mini-micro version of a widely used software package developed by UNESCO for managing bibliographic information, and describes the design and implementation of a monograph catalog as a sample application. The value of this software for smaller libraries in developing countries is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

A computer program is given (in BASIC and Logo) to present problems of this form: Given the sum and difference of two integers, which is the larger? Other teaching suggestions are included. (MNS)

Use of the computer to simulate or imitate probability problems that are difficult to analyze in any other way is discussed. How the Monte Carlo method works is clarified, with sample problems and programs. (MNS)

Describes (1) interfacing the Commodore VIC-20 using joystick game ports; (2) a chromatographic integrator for the TRS-80; (3) upgrading input/output capabilities of the TRS-80 color microcomputer; (4) IBM PC interfaced to a Perkin-Elmer DSC-1 differential scanning calorimeter; and (5) an undergraduate experiment in which students design a…

The graphing of intricate curves and the fundamental theorem of algebra lead to a third discovery with microcomputers: Lagrange polynomials. Teaching suggestions for helping students to explore continuous change, interpolation, roots, and shifting and symmetry are presented, with a computer program listing. (MNS)

Microcomputer systems for school districts are best obtained by selecting the software, and matching it with hardware. Discusses criteria for software and hardware, monitors, input/output devices, backup devices, and printers. Components of two basic microcomputer systems for the business office are proposed. (MLF)

Ten different methods of using computer administered tests in college level biology are described: evaluation (or posttest), student self-evaluation, student self-remediation, class remediation, individual student remediation, pretesting, identification of problem areas, immediate feedback, group testing, and remote site testing. (Author/MBR)

In 1982, Minneapolis Public Schools adopted a plan to provide students with equal access to excellent educational programs within a racially integrated school environment. Describes the role computers, software, and scanners play in Minneapolis' instructional management system, and the planning process was used to make computer-managed instruction…

Description of a general purpose microcomputer database management package covers assist and program mode; performance (set-up and loading, data entry, editing, ease of use, report generators, data manipulation, searching a database, file handling utilities, user interface, memo fields, date operations, multi-file processing, command files, error…

This chart comparing communications software packages focuses on features important to novice users. Less obvious features covered in the chart are defined, including file transfer, protocols, baud rates, file types, capture methods, file editing, macro, tutorial unattended operation, document reading, and prices. A list of manufacturers of…

Describes features of five new software programs--Songwriter, Musical Ideas, Musicalc I, Musical Construction Set, Musicland, and Music Designer II--which facilitate musical composition and musical creativity in a variety of ways. Shortcomings are briefly discussed, and sources for further information are given. (MBR)