Presents observations on the effects of a word processing program developed for first-grade students. Focuses on the composing and transcribing abilities of six students, representing the range of abilities in the class. (HTH)

This theme issue provides brief descriptions or reviews of specific authoring tools including the Digital, TenCORE, EASE, Courseware (Apple), and PLATO authoring systems. Articles on conceptual or practical issues emerging from extensive experience in specific settings or based on use of specific authoring systems are also presented. (MBR)

Describes use of PFS: File, a database management program for microcomputers that can be effectively utilized in periodical management, at the Apple Computer Library. The menu, format of the forms, checking in periodicals and listing missing issues, updating, reports, the periodical catalog, and helpful information are highlighted. Examples are…

Explores potential of mathematical theory of communication for information science and examines question of how to encode a message at time it is encountered for subsequent recall. Examples of problem, a prototype computer program and experiment, coding as embedding in associational nets, and nature of information are discussed. (Nine references.)…

Description of considerations special libraries must address before building databases is based on practical experiences of Comstow Information Services. Developing standards for all types of materials (journal articles, internal reports, competitors' literature, government documents, conference proceedings, analytics, books), retrospective…

Reports on computer-assisted instruction materials for use in special education settings (readiness level, reading, math, home and school, remedial/secondary, career/vocational education, programing/computer literacy, adaptive communication devices); professional application software (authoring systems, administration, testing); and software…

Describes "Bulletin Board" software program, which permits individuals or student groups to write, read, and/or evaluate student and instructor-generated multiple-choice and essay questions and to write and read news items. The program thus engages students more deeply in active learning, assessing course material, and providing peer…

Discusses the basic design and special features of robotic dialing systems that are programmed to make calls to parents of truant students and presents detailed information on seven currently available self-dialing attendance systems. (MBR)

Describes the Adult Basic Word List, a resource that can be used by illiterate adult learners for a quick spelling reference as well as by teachers and other curriculum developers for lesson and material design. (HOD)

Beginning with a simple computer program to teach a fundamental concept and building in small increments is suggested. For the topic of repeated operations, three activities, an extension, and some problems are given. (MNS)

The history of microcomputer use in education is traced, from 1950 to the present, and implications for testing applications are reviewed. Future trends in statistical analysis packages, mass storage, improved graphics, and integration of components are discussed. (BW)

In providing an alternative view to the previous article by Ward (TM 508 880), the author notes problems associated with adaptive testing, diagnostic testing, testing embedded in instruction, and testing through simulations. (BW)

Six life skills students with varied mental disabilities at Eastern High School in a Pennsylvania school district received mathematics instruction through the use of a PLATO computer-assisted instruction program for mathematics. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine whether the use of computer-assisted instruction increased the students'…

The Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority in Canton, Ohio (Stark Metro), has established and implemented an after school education program for its residents. Although the various educating programs range from encouraging kindergarten reading readiness to promoting job skills for adults, the primary function of the program is to help elementary and…

If learners are to engage in science inquiry, they need significant support, or scaffolding, to help them mindfully do the cognitive science tasks that are just out of their reach. One approach for supporting learners is to design computational tools that incorporate scaffolding features to make new practices accessible and visible so learners can…