The University of New Orleans has begun a program to teach microcomputer use to blind and visually impaired students with the goals of promoting greater independence and career development opportunities while making the campus more accessible to blind students. It chose a software solution rather than using dedicated equipment. (Author/VW)

Reviews the introduction of personal computers (PC) into the Information Research Center at Bell Communications Research, Inc. Highlights include challenges for successfully integrating PC's into each manager's unique work style, training objectives, and strategies for successfully implementing microcomputers. Prototype training program is…

Describes differences between authoring systems and authoring languages for teachers interested in creating their own educational software, discusses selection criteria and features to consider before choosing a package, recommends specific authoring systems and Pilot language programs, and provides a chart of currently available packages. (MBR)

Routines developed for an ongoing course in research methods and statistics provides examples of the custom instructional applications that can be created using extended BASIC and a light pen, including title and transition displays, progressive disclosure, animation, overlays, and simulations. Strengths of this technique are reviewed. (MBR)

Concludes from a research project that the pleasure and success preschool and kindergarten children experience with computers is proportional to the foundation of pleasure and success they have already built by comprehending, remembering, evaluating, and creating with tangible objects and familiar people. Also discusses potential values of…

Describes the Answer Machine, a microcomputer system which uses the EasyNet software to provide a gateway to more than 900 online databanks. Topics covered include: (1) system features; (2) costs; (3) experiences and results of a user questionnaire at a test site at the University of Pennsylvania; and (4) benefits for libraries. (MES)

Outlines the courses offered by the Department of Library and Information Studies at Manchester Polytechnic, and describes the use of a database management system to teach aspects of information science. Details of a number of specific applications are given and future developments are discussed. (CLB)

Describes a set of computer-based learning modules designed to teach nonscientists to think and reason like scientists. Discusses the intent of the 10 dialogs in this series. Gives ideas for use in science classes. (CW)

The article examines recent literature on the promised benefits of microcomputer application in teaching mildly handicapped students, and analyzes the extent to which research has revealed positive results in eight areas of effective instructional practice (e.g., motivation, self-concept, direct instruction, drill and practice, and writing…

Describes capabilities and advantages of spreadsheet software, including its ability to perform "what-if" analysis quickly and easily. Also noted are additional advantages; applications, including use in the library environment; history and development; new-generation spreadsheets; and enhanced packaging in the near future. A spreadsheet…

The Drug-Interface, prototype system built to facilitate retrieval of drug related information, automatically connects to DIALOG Information Retrieval Service via available networks, aids user in formulating and/or revising search strategy, sends query to DIALOG, displays results of search, and downloads relevant pieces into Macintosh data file.…

Discussion of current status of growth and differentiation of technology (computers and software) in academe addresses issues related to the supply (organizational learning, and recognition and management of information technology's benefits) and demand (standards for and utility of public databases, appreciation of technology's costs, and…

Describes use of computer simulation which generates bird songs so that students can analyze song motifs and sequences as an introduction to descriptive analysis of behavior in an animal behavior course. Advantages of the simulation are discussed together with computer hardware/software needed and data presentation, analysis, and generation…

Programs (using Logo) developed by children to produce multiples, the Fibonacci series, and square numbers are presented, with graphical representations of functions introduced. Another investigation involves drawing a circle using turtle graphics. (MNS)

Presents two lesson plans for use when introducing computerized spreadsheet programs to high school students and discusses behavioral objectives, necessary equipment, teacher preparation, and learning activities for each lesson. Student handouts for use with the lessons are included. (MBR)