Describes winners of a software awards program developed by EDUCOM and the National Center for Research to Improve Postsecondary Teaching and Learning (NCRIPTAL). Evaluation criteria used to judge software appropriate for undergraduate students in the fields of social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, English composition, mathematics and…

Abstracts of seven selected papers from the 7th Annual Microcomputers in Education Conference are presented. Papers are included on microcomputer-based labs, teaching science with robots, microcomputer software, problem solving, computer integrated math activities, and computer assisted mathematics. (RH)

Reports results of a survey of the use of computers in Canadian elementary school classrooms. Questionnaires and interviews were used to determine the availability of hardware and software, teachers' backgrounds, student access to computers, and teachers' perceptions on the role of computer-assisted learning. (LRW)

Provides information and reviews of geography computer software classified as drill-and-practice, simulations, and databases. Includes title, publisher, hardware needed, suggested grade level, geographic area covered, content emphasized, and the strengths and weaknesses of each program. (TW)

Describes the components and approach used in a computer-assisted map analysis program. Provides a course syllabus, program principles, and a listing of instructional resources. Also identifies and explains program materials for student and instructor use. (ML)

Describes several ways to build data collection devices for microcomputers. The interface devices connect with either the computer's game port or an analog-to-digital converter. Discusses how teachers have designed the equipment and appropriate software to use with the computer in biology teaching. (TW)

Describes how the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. State Department has used the Xerox STAR Multilingual computer/word processing system to produce innovative language study materials for 40 different languages in a timely and cost-effective manner. (SED)

Although three curriculum-delivery systems which use terminals to download curriculum software from a super microcomputer offer advantages of individualized instruction over several grade levels with individual student progress reports and updated software, the expense of the initial installation makes it difficult for them to compete with…

Discusses computer editing and describes the capacities and features of an integrated software package, Writer's Workbench. Suggests ways in which this program can be used to improve writing skills. Reviews the effects of this program on technical users, college students, and high school students. (ML)

Reviews the use of microcomputers by students and faculty at Reed College, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon, Drexel University, and Brown University. Types of computers provided and software developed on each campus are described, and a business developed to promote the distribution of software between colleges--the Academic Courseware…

Discusses and compares advantages and disadvantages of large and small computer-based instructional systems. Predicted and actual costs in two systems--PLATO, which uses a mainframe system, and VITAL, a microcomputer-based system--are analyzed, and cost comparisons are made based on class size. (LRW)

Suggests that insights from other disciplines be considered when evaluating computer-assisted language instruction materials. Issues which need to be considered when evaluating these materials include: design issues, user-machine interfacing, support documentation, screen layout, color and animation, and restricted visual display capacity. (SED)

Describes curriculum development aimed at increasing quantitative skills or demonstrating relevance of technological tools to studies in humanities. Included are simulations, research design, measurement, analytical techniques, computer software development, and a new laboratory course in social sciences. Also describes attempts to focus on…

Reviews some current topics related to computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in English as a foreign language in Japan. The achievements of the Tokai English Language Program-CAI project are discussed and the latest system, the Tokai English Language Program-III, is described.

Argues that a framework is needed for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) which would provide criteria for decisions about priorities and emphases. A comparison of two different types of CALL programs is made for the insights they may offer into developmental principles. (SED)