Discussed are various ways that microcomputers can be interfaced to laboratory equipment to control laboratory applications. A general overview is given including advantages and disadvantages of different interfaces. Different software tools currently available are examined. (CW)

Discusses four activities focusing on communication about shapes and spatial relationships. The activities include requiring students to sketch patterns, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualizations. Provides several figures showing the geometric shapes. (YP)

Reviewed are seven computer software packages for IBM and/or Apple Computers. Included are "Windows on Science: Volume 1--Physical Science"; "Science Probe--Physical Science"; "Wildlife Adventures--Grizzly Bears"; "Science Skills--Development Programs"; "The Clean Machine"; "Rock Doctor";…

Presents several examples of the iteration method using computer spreadsheets. Examples included are simple iterative sequences and the solution of equations using the Newton-Raphson formula, linear interpolation, and interval bisection. (YP)

Describes the use of technology in education, observes that technology (film, radio, television, and computers) has had little impact on educational reform. Proposes that to control what happens in the future, educators must take a proactive stand to ensure that technology serves the needs of educators and students. (MG)

Future technological advancements in computers will soon provide high-definition video and graphics ability to simulate language learning situations. Trends in technological options, networks, word processing, and database management are explored, and their usefulness to Chinese language study is discussed. (59 references) (CB)

Describes an activity which uses the computer to produce an environment that encourages an inductive reasoning approach to ratio and proportion through a billiard ball simulation. Provides examples of graphs and bouncing ball data. (RT)

Shows step-by-step use of spreadsheets with an example from linear programing using the Simplex method. Describes pivot choosing and partial Gauss-Jordan elimination procedures. (YP)

Lists articles and books published in 1987. Selects the following headings: administration, aeronautical, architectural, CAD/CAM, civil, computers, curriculum, electrical/electronics, industrial, industry/government/employers, instructional technology, laboratories, liberal studies, manufacturing, mechanical, minorities, research, robotics,…

Provides a short BASIC program, RANVAR, which generates random variates for various theoretical probability distributions. The seven variates include: uniform, exponential, normal, binomial, Poisson, Pascal, and triangular. (MVL)

Describes an interface that uses semiconductor metal oxides to detect low gas concentrations. Notes the detector has long life, high stability, good reproducibility, low cost, and is able to convert the gas concentration to an electrical signal with a simple circuit. Theory, schematic, and applications are provided. (MVL)

This paper describes a computer simulation of Buffon's needle problem. The problem considers the probability that a needle will cross a line when the needle is thrown in a random way onto the parallel lines a certain distance apart. The paper provides the algorithm and computer program. (YP)

Reviews empirical studies on the effects of computer use in education, covering research published up to mid-1988. Focuses on the issues of computer use effects at various grade levels, suitable types of programs, differences in usage in different programs, changes in students' attitudes, social effects, effects on low achievers, and future…

Presents the results of a survey of Purdue University students' knowledge of, use of, and attitudes toward computers as they enter the technical writing class. Contrasts the technical students with upper division humanities students and draws conclusions about documentation requirements and appropriate computer use goals for the students surveyed.…

Two incidents involving novice teachers with classes in grades 7 and 10 are presented. Then considered are the nature of intuitive mathematics and contributions computers can make to such intuitive mathematics, particularly in Algebra. (MNS)