Aims for students to use a combination of stochastic ideas to simulate a basketball tournament. Uses the TI-83 calculator in the activity to simulate the binomial distribution. (KHR)

Describes a stand-alone course titled Using Computers in the Language Classroom that is offered in the master's in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program in an urban university in Southern California. This collaborative video project allows students to discover firsthand how computer technology can aid classroom learning.…

Identifies the main issues confronting academic institutions in developing a structured plan for acquisition and replacement of information technology hardware assets, and recommends steps for developing such a plan. (EV)

Examines how computer use produces generic benefit to all children and differential benefits to minority and poor children. Analyzes data from the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS) of 1988-1992. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

Investigates whether there is any relationship between an examinee's ability and choice of wrong alternatives when the correct answer is not chosen. Analyzes some constructed-responses data. (Author/KHR)

Describes the process of modifying a program that focuses on computer-directed instruction in a developmental algebra course that was not producing the positive results expected. Emphasizes integrating classroom instruction along with a laboratory, either a computer or classroom laboratory. (Author/KHR)

Describes the Electronic Communication Across the Curriculum (ECAC) two-week summer workshop, which includes components for both teachers and students, that gives them the skills, knowledge, and critical awareness to return to their schools and successfully implement technology-rich communication projects into their classes. Presents examples of…

Considers how although students' frustration level may rise with the inclusion of computer technology in writing classes, so too do the number of "wow moments" - those times when students finally achieve something for which they have long struggled. Examines the efficacy of including technology in first-year writing courses. Finds that a sizable…

Describes technology partnerships developed by the consortium Associated Colleges of the South, designed to develop technology skills among its members' faculty. Discusses lessons learned by the consortium regarding the process of developing and overseeing technology partnerships. (EV)

Expert systems offer school possibilities beyond relieving employees of routine work. In the future, expert systems will become tools for budgeting, staff training, and teaching. Describes a system developed at Utah State University, "Mandate Consultant," that helps school staff review the legally mandated steps in developing individualized…

Computer technology cannot be expected to make up for poor management; change the fundamental way business is done; define itself; or stop mistakes from being made. Computer technology can be expected to help make better decisions, help deal with change; automate mundane tasks, and offer an opportunity to look at things differently. (MLW)

Discussion of computer usage and familiarity focuses on an empirical study of college students that investigated the relationship between computer familiarity and cognitive ability. Results are reported that indicate a positive correlation between high scores on cognitive ability tests and computer usage, but no gender differences are reported.…

Critiques current examples of computerized grammar and style checkers. Examines the relative strengths and weaknesses of each program. Concludes that programs are not an adequate substitute for knowing the applicable rule of English. (RW)

Because unskilled teachers are unlikely to promote effective educational use of computers, the Catasauqua (Pennsylvania) Area School District compensates its teachers for computer training and provides them with computers for home use. The nonsalary cost of this successful program, modeled after Kirkland, Washington's experience, is less than…

Discusses the capabilities and limitations of 10 computer programs that analyze writing style. Describes the mechanisms by which these programs read a text, analyze the writing style, and offer suggestions for improving writing style. (KEH)