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)

Seeks to show why computer-based career guidance systems need to take on the educational role of helping people develop appropriate and effective ways of thinking about their career problems, rather than simply matching people with occupational databases. A computer program called SELSTRA, which seeks to meet these needs, is described. (Author/MBR)

A computer program and simulations that can be used to help college economics students understand dynamic economic processes are described. (RM)

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)

In an information age, the university's most significant contribution to society is to improve intellectual productivity through the learning process. Many applications of computers and word processing to learning have been ineffective because they have not addressed questions of intellectual productivity and have not reorganized learning systems…

Reviews Oregon State University Communication Media Center's experiences in designing, developing, and using a computerized scheduling system to help with the center's operation. Description includes purposes for developing the system, creation of the system using a commercial database management software package, and the five menus used in the…

Describes clientele who could benefit from software being developed at University of Iowa for writing effective prose; what these authoring tools do and how they work; and design standards likely to produce a successful product. The software's design scheme, general design principles and objectives, and educational potential are discussed. (MBR)

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)

Investigates 75 college students' opinions of computer-based melodic dictation instruction versus similar classroom instruction. A 35-item questionnaire assessed hardware, software, pacing, and instructional other variables. Results showed problems with PLATO hardware and the Melodic Dictation Computerized Instruction (MEDICI) software. Instrument…

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…

Examines a variety of computer software uses and possible effects they can have on social studies instruction, using programs as mediating devices and tools. Concludes that the computer can assist implementation of essential objectives in the social studies curriculum. (TRS)

One hundred twenty-four college business communication students who were already familiar with word processing software were taught how to use a writing-analysis program. Although the writing-analysis group performed higher on all criterion measures, their scores were not significantly different from the group that edited their letters without the…

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)