Shows how electronic spreadsheets can be used in science classrooms for such tasks as ordering and keeping track of supplies and for organizing experiments. Sample printouts of records prepared by use of the spreadsheets are included. (JN)

Various elements of microcomputer technology are examined: word processing, microcomputer applications in school curricula, and communications. The author also discusses ethical use of software, the importance of teaching students procedures for good records management, and a view of the "office of the future." (CT)

How to give students a concept of a computer's speed, information on films and software exchanges, and a BASIC program on estimation are included in this report. (MNS)

The microcomputer can be a helpful tool for teaching the basics of historical research. Database management systems are described, strengths and weaknesses of one software package (dBaseII) for historical research are discussed, and a conceptual and practical guide for teaching historical research methods with dBaseII is provided. (RM)

Undergraduates (N=32) in a special education survey course generally expressed positive reactions to a microcomputer-based testing program. No significant differences were found between the microcomputer-based program and paper-and-pencil varieties. (CL)

Discusses some aspects of computer-assisted instruction, particularly in computer-aided language learning. Argues that computers will continue to provide enough resources for varied language teaching but that they will be useless in language instruction unless lessons are created that bring the computer and the teacher into close educational…

Explores incompatible operating systems as the basic reason why software packages will not work on different microcomputers; defines operating system; explores compatibility issues surrounding the IBM MS-DOS; and presents two future trends in hardware and software developments which indicate a return to true compatibility. (Author/MBR)

Discusses database management systems for special needs student information management. Considers data access policies, implementation, software selection criteria, and special needs related uses. (SK)

Examines some of the computer based literacy projects designed to combat illiteracy in the military and discusses some of the nonmilitary applications of these efforts. (HOD)

Describes eight characteristics of good educational software. They are: (1) educational soundness; (2) ease of use; (3) "bullet" proofing (preventing a program from coming to a premature halt); (4) clear instructions; (5) appropriate language; (6) appropriate frame size; (7) motivation; and (8) evaluation. (JN)

Some of the most hopeful applications of computers and computer software (particularly as prosthetic devices to aid communication) exist in the area of special education. Several of these applications are discussed. (JN)

To make computing power broadly available and truly friendly, both soft and hard meshing and synchronization problems will have to be solved. Possible solutions and research related to these problems are discussed. Topics considered include compilers, parallelism, networks, distributed sensors, dataflow, CEDAR system (using dataflow principles),…

A review of several studies on the effects of computer assisted instruction with learning disabled students is followed by a description of one school's experiences with software that requires little computer knowledge by the teacher yet allows for individualization of spelling and vocabulary drills and exercises. (CL)

Four items of software are described and reviewed in this first of a projected series of articles. (CRH)

For some time now, the open-source (OS) phenomenon has been making its presence felt; disrupting the economics of the software industry and, by proxy, the business of education. A combination of the financial pressure Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) find themselves under and the increasing focus on the use of technology to enhance students'…