Reviews an interactive statistical analysis package (designed to run on 8- and 16-bit machines that utilize CP/M 80 and MS-DOS operating systems), considering its features and uses, documentation, operation, and performance. The package consists of 40 general purpose statistical procedures derived from the classic textbook "Statistical…

Following a brief history of Logo, BASIC, and Pilot programing languages, common educational programing tasks (input from keyboard, evaluation of keyboard input, and computation) are presented in each language to illustrate how each can be used to perform the same tasks and to demonstrate each language's strengths and weaknesses. (MBR)

Describes experiences over several semesters with microcomputers in a mechanical engineering applied thermodynamics course. Includes course objectives, computer assignment structure, typical assignments, prewritten versus student-written software, and other topic areas. (JN)

Discusses what can be learned from and what should be expected from artificial intelligence research. Focuses on: (1) expert systems; (2) natural language processing; and (3) image processing. (JN)

Accuracy, interpretability, and user friendliness are some of the relevant criteria used to determine the comparative worthwhileness of three computer programs designed for interpreting the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. (Author/ABB)

This interview with W. Krag Brotby, founder and chairman of Vault Corporation, a producer of security products for microcomputer software, data, and telecommunications, explores the software producer's concerns; how the programs work; the responsibilities of librarians, among others, to prevent illegal copying of programs; and artificial…

Examines design, features, and shortcomings of eight disk-based operating systems designed for general use that are popular or most likely to affect the future of microcomputing. Included are the CP/M family, MS-DOS, Apple DOS/ProDOS, Unix, Pick, the p-System, TRSDOS, and Macintosh/Lisa. (MBR)

Lists college board preparation programs available for Apple II microcomputers. Each entry includes title, source, subject area addressed, special features, and current cost. Programs help students prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Testing Program (ACT), Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), and the Graduate…

Lists 43 current software review sources grouped by type, i.e., review journals and reports, educational computing periodicals, education periodicals, educational computing newsletters, and other information sources. Information on average number of reviews, average review length, review type, reviewer qualifications, and journal cost is provided…

From his frustrating personal experience with an Apple personal computer, Knowles formulates suggestions for the microcomputer industry on incorporating adult learning principles in software and documentation development. In response, Apple staff and other industry representatives discuss the process of developing reference manuals and the issue…

Discusses the importance of two criteria often neglected on software evaluation forms: (1) the match between the instructor's objectives for a class and the objectives of the computer program and (2) the ease of transfer of the skills learned in the program to other situations. (AEA)

Illustrates some of the problems and the advantages of three programs designed for language arts instruction: "English Volume I" (MECC), "English SAT 1" (Microlab), and "Vocabulary Prompter" (Jagdstaffel). (AEA)

A software program, AIMSTAR, was designed to enhance the process of making decision rules about when and how an instructional program should be changed. Examples are given of the program's use in teaching a mentally retarded adolescent to identify utensils by name. (CL)

Suggestions are offered of ways in which teachers of gifted elementary students can provide nonprograming computer activities even when limited computer resources and expertise are available. Among activities noted are word processing and adventure games. (CL)

Reports on AV-ONLINE (file 46 on DIALOG), the database of the National Information Center for Educational Media (NICEM), which provides an index to annotated bibliographic descriptions of audiovisual materials of an educational or informational nature. Recent changes in the areas of record design, index vocabulary, coverage, and market are…