This study focused on the cognitive conflicts experienced by young children in using software programs that provided them with tools to create and/or combine individual graphic elements into larger structures. Six 5-year-old children, none with prior computer experience, were observed using three programs--Kids at Work, Picture Perfect, and…

As schools increasingly take advantage of sophisticated technologies to enhance education, their need to understand basic copyright law becomes more urgent. This reference guide reviews the historical development of copyright, examines basic components, and analyzes exceptions to copyright owners' rights. Also covered are key areas such as…

This manual defines basic computer terminology and presents sign language gestures for the terms. The manual uses the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf's Manually Coded English Sign Language System, a compilation of signs derived from Signing Exact English and American Sign Language; it also indicates those instances where fingerspelling is…

Brief papers authored by staff of the Trace Research and Development Center on Communication, Control, and Computer Access for Handicapped Individuals and presented at the first through ninth annual conferences on rehabilitation engineering technology are presented. Papers have the following titles and authors: "The Data Routing Module:…

To illustrate the capabilities of local area networking (LAN) and integrated software programs, this paper reviews current software programs relevant to writing instruction. It is argued that the technology exists for students sitting at one microcomputer to be able to effectively carry out all phases of the writing process from gathering online…

Drill and practice, tutorial, dialogue, and text analysis programs represent the major uses of computers to date in the field of English composition. Drill and practice programs are convenient to use and inexpensive. However, they are usually geared to the low level achiever. Tutorial programs tailor their presentations to students' responses,…

The paper describes Miss STIM, an electronic teaching aid designed to increase the computer's educational potential for severely handicapped students. The aid incorporates both video images and audio signals and is programed to present lesson material in conjunction with responses from the student. System operation is described in terms of…

Experiences in the development of educational software in the Netherlands have included the use of individual and team approaches, the determination of software content and how it should be presented, and the organization of the entire development process, from experimental programs to prototype to final product. Because educational software is a…

Some concerns regarding the use of computers in reading instruction are addressed in this report. The first section explores the similarities and differences between reading printed materials and computer display screens (legibility, portability, etc.) and presents some advantages and disadvantages of computers. The next section explains two ways…

There are a number of areas in psychology where an electronic spreadsheet simulator can be used to study and explore functional relationships among a number of parameters. For example, when dealing with sensation, perception, and pattern recognition, it is sometimes desirable for students to understand both the basic neurophysiology and the…

The requirement that all Drexel University students purchase a Macintosh personal computer has had a strong impact on teaching methods throughout the university. The chemistry department now views the computer as a device that is ready to take its place beside other more traditional pedagogical tools. This document describes some of the numerous…

This Digest points out characteristics of quality computer software for children, describes different kinds of software, and suggests ways to get software for preview. The need to consider the purpose for which the software is to be used and the degree to which the software meets its stated goals is noted. Desirable software characteristics and…

This document, written for counselors and educators, describes a computer-assisted program for career counselors. The ten tasks of a counselor-client goal setting process formulated by Philip Patsula and incorporated into this program are presented. The areas of experiencing a positive atmosphere, elaborating on constraints, and evaluating…

This courseware evaluation rates the "Inflammation" program developed by Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. (This program--not contained in this document--introduces students to the possible causes, signs, and protective benefits of inflammation.) Part A describes the program in terms of subject area (allied health, nursing), and…

This courseware evaluation rates the "Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis" program developed by J.B. Lippincott Co. (The program--not included in this document--is a tutorial for second-year nursing students; it presents diagnosis as a mathematical formula). Part A describes the program in terms of subject area (allied health, nursing) and hardware…