The article describes three approaches to using microcomputers with children ages 8-16 who have special learning needs: (1) developing basic concepts and skills (e.g., spelling); (2) developing general concepts and skills (e.g., reporting); (3) developing global concepts (e.g., producing a newspaper). Examples of computer software for each area…

This description of the role of the Information Services Division of Exxon Research and Engineering Division in emergency management covers the information technology developed and used for internally generated and published information, and how this information is used to prevent emergencies and deal with them should they actually occur. (EM)

A file management computer program that allows secondary social studies students to store information on cards on a floppy disk and to retrieve all or parts of the data as needed is described. The program will help students develop information-processing skills in locating, organizing, interpreting, and presenting social data. (RM)

This study examined the effect of type of correlation matrix on the robustness of LISREL maximum likelihood and unweighted least squares structural parameter estimates for models with categorical variables. The analysis of mixed matrices produced estimates that closely approximated the model parameters except where dichotomous variables were…

The installation of a local area network (LAN) to support two classrooms at Lehman College is described. The objectives were to improve the effectiveness of staff by reducing the time required for distributing and collecting diskettes and for maintenance of the diskette library, and to facilitate access to peripheral devices. (Author/MLW)

Explains the use of a computer as a planning and teaching tool in wilderness trip food planning. Details use of master food list and spreadsheet software such as VisiCalc to provide shopping lists for food purchasing, cost analysis, and diet analysis. (NEC)

Outlines two traditions in the field of computer simulation, one focusing upon the character of the software within the computer, the other focusing upon the exercise outside the computer which the software is supporting. Topics discussed include mathematical modeling, gaming, information retrieval, decision monitoring, and applications in…

To determine which produced the most accurate item parameter estimates, four methods of item response theory were evaluated: (1) heuristic estimates; (2) the ANCILLES program; (3) the LOGIST program; and (4) the ASCAL program. LOGIST and ASCAL produced estimates of superior and essentially equivalent accuracy. (SLD)

LISREL program was used to examine measurement model assumptions and to assess reliability of Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory for Children, Form B. Data on 722 third-sixth graders from over 70 schools in large urban school district were used. LISREL program assessed (1) nature of basic measurement model for scale, (2) scale invariance across…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using an Apple Macintosh in a high school journalism department. Details the software available in the categories of layout ("Xpress" and "Pagemaker"), word processing ("Microsoft Word"), and graphics ("MacDraw,""Cricket Draw,""MacPaint," and…

Discusses the relative ease of obtaining library management statistics when using machine readable records and powerful software tools such as the Statistical Analysis System package. The development of such a management information system for the Cataloging in Publication division of the Library of Congress is described. (Seven notes with…

Described is a computer network at the University of Houston known as MacLAN. It was designed to support the instructional program of the College of Education. Included is the information on how the network was organized, what was learned, and recommendations for similar efforts. (TW)

Argues that a special type of software (i.e., mindware) is needed to prepare students for life and work in the knowledge-based society of the 21st Century. Sees mindware as enabling students to experience the full range of inquiry skills, from data gathering to analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (DMM)

Reviews four software packages: (1) Agents of Infection; (2) The Earth Science Series; (3) Investigating Electric Fields; and (4) Aquatic Biology-PC. Describes the hardware needed, bibliographic data and specific details of the programs themselves. (CW)

Describes system developed at Bennett College for recording grades on a spreadsheet that allows multi-user access for updating student test scores. The interaction between spreadsheets, user-developed statistics programs, and word processing documents is discussed, and a process for using spreadsheet data in a BASIC statistics program is…