This paper discusses minicomputer-based ILSs (integrated learning systems), i.e., computer-based systems of hardware and software. An example of a minicomputer-based system in a school district (a composite of several actual districts) considers hardware, staffing, scheduling, reactions, problems, and training for a subskill-oriented reading…

A study surveyed the use of computer hardware and software in reading and language arts programs of public and private elementary schools in Florida. Respondents, 173 public and private schools from urban, suburban, and rural areas of Florida (out of an initial group of 333), furnished information on who was providing computer instruction, where…

Practical issues that should be considered in placing a classroom computer for use with elementary students include where to locate computer equipment in relation to electrical sockets, windows, and chalkboards; the program sound; who will be able to see the screen; and classroom traffic patterns. Decisions must be made regarding the size of…

Intended as an easy-to-use quick reference tool for finding good software packages to meet specific educational objectives in language arts, reading, and mathematics, this directory focuses on highly rated software designed to teach basic learning and thinking skills. Software listed in the directory is available from International Business…

This booklet provides information on and instructional materials from the Education Consolidation Improvement Act (ECIA) Chapter I Computer Lab at Sumter Correctional Institution in Florida. Section 1 is an introduction addressing the benefits of computer-assisted instruction, responsibility of inmate aides, and evaluation and selection of…

Designed to provide information to special educators on software that is available for special-needs students and to serve as a reference source for regular educators and administrators, this bibliography is divided into eight areas: reading and language arts; learning skills; mathematics; consumer education; occupational and vocational education;…

A three-year project carried out by the Microcomputers and Reading Committee of the New Jersey Reading Association involved the collection, improvement, and distribution of free microcomputer software (public domain programs) designed to deal with reading and writing skills. Acknowledging that this free software is not without limitations (poor…

Reviews of 2,554 educational software programs by thirty reviewing sources were examined to compare the tendency of different review sources to give generally positive, negative, or neutral ratings. The reliability of language arts and reading software reviews was studied. Thirty-eight percent of the software programs were reviewed by two or more…

A total of 163 microcomputer programs evaluated by the Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE) Institute through December 1983 were examined in order to identify strengths and weaknesses in instructional and technical design. Programs were evaluated in a variety of areas including the arts, business education, computer languages, computer…

This report focuses on research and development activities related to the 1983-85 Instructional Microcomputer Project for Arkansas Classrooms (IMPAC), under the supervision of the Arkansas Commission on Microcomputer Instruction. The report includes five major sections: (1) research findings that relate to achievement levels in mathematics,…

This document provides guidelines for the preparation of school district plans for implementation of the microcomputer instructional programs recommended for Arkansas schools. Introductory materials include suggestions for school administration leadership activities in a microcomputer utilization plan, a message to the superintendent, and six…

The field of education is faced with various new challenges in meeting the demands of teaching and learning for the 21st century. One of the new challenges is the call for the integration of ICT (Information and communication technologies) in teaching and learning as an alternative mode of instruction delivery. Multimedia technology for instance,…

Reviews the research literature on Writing to Read (WTR), a computer-based language arts program designed to help kindergarten and first grade students develop reading and writing skills. Limitations of the evaluation reports, research projects, and specialized applications of WTR are reviewed, and problems in research design and methodology are…

Presents four steps for integrating computer technology into a school district's reading and language arts curriculum for elementary and secondary schools: (1) needs assessment; (2) planning; (3) implementation; and (4) evaluation. Topics discussed include personnel, budget, facilities, government mandates, computer hardware selection, software…

First of a two-part series identifying probable changes in English instruction resulting from technology's impact on society and schools. Predicts consequences of interactive reading and writing software, style checkers, teacher-monitored networks in electronic writing labs, computer generated texts, and desktop publishing. (JG)