Estimates how much money it takes for technology programs to make a difference and offers advice on how schools can best spend their technology funds. Tables show costs in personnel and in hardware and software for developing technology expertise among teachers. (MLF)

Shows how five points determine the formula of a conic section and uses the determinant as a computational device to find the coefficients in the formula. Uses symbolic, numerical, and graphical techniques. (Author/MKR)

Describes learnings originating from a simple pendulum simulation using "interactive physics" simulations. Discusses tension in the rope, acceleration of the pendulum bob, and initial displacements. (JRH)

Provides several examples of ways that microcomputers can be used to enhance school teacher evaluation. Uses of computers by teachers to develop customized records and data presentation and use of computers in research on student evaluation are also considered. A sample computer program for statistical testing of student achievement data is…

Hearing loss associated with aging affects some older adult students in higher education. Real-time closed captioning, a computer-based system allowing the spoken word to be transformed into the written word almost simultaneously, enables students to attend and participate in lectures and discussions. (SK)

Describes "Promotional Publications," a required course for public relations majors, which teaches the basics of desktop publishing. Outlines how the course covers the preparation of publications used as communication tools in public relations, advertising, and organizations, with an emphasis upon design, layout, and technology. (MM)

Offers the following advice for teachers looking to integrate computers into their curricula: look around, software before hardware, and plan for continuing support and training. (RS)

Investigated processes underlying career-related preferences and readiness to make compromises. Analyzed 3,265 monitored dialogues with computer-assisted career guidance system and occupational preferences of 60 young adults. Findings supported hypotheses that perceived importance of aspect is positively correlated with degree of extremity of…

Many school districts let teachers take computers home over the summer to improve their skills. The article shares strategies about computer use, liability, borrowing, and moving from school to home. It suggests summer projects such as learning to use computerized gradebooks, learning new programs, and computerizing lesson plans and tests. (SM)

Presents a method that uses computers for writing placement exams, a "structured decision system." Argues that it is more economical and efficient than the process that uses real people as readers. (SR)

Surveyed 74 rural school administrators to determine perspectives concerning barriers and problems regarding the use of computer conferencing technologies. Found that computer conferencing use is minimal in schools and nonexistent among school administrators, but interest is high. Administrators agreed with more than half of the 11 barriers…

Teachers in seven Australian secondary schools identified themselves as users (n=102) or nonusers (n=250) of computers in class. Users were encouraged by access to computers and software and self-motivation. Nonusers lacked confidence with computers, lacked time to review software, and had access difficulties. (SK)

Mechanical examples of musical technology, like the Steinway piano, are well known and accepted. Use of computers and electronic technology is the next logical step in developing art of music. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is explained, along with digital devices (such as synthesizers, sequencers, music notation software, multimedia,…

Computer is exemplar of algorithmic knowledge, whose goal is control and total automation of human functions. Technicist thinking, belief in myth of technological progress, is blind to nature of knowledge and connections between knowledge and power. Computers promulgate technicist thinking by projecting controlled universe and reinforcing…

Parents can help children become computer literate at school and at home by helping schools fund computer purchases; ensuring computer integration into the curriculum; making teacher training a priority; introducing computers at an early age; keeping their computer anxiety to themselves; not letting children get hooked on games; and subscribing to…