Based on instructional experiences at Charles County Community College, Maryland, this report examines the pedagogical advantage of teaching atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy with an AA spectrophotometer that is equipped with a microprocessor and video output mechanism. The report first discusses the growing importance of AA spectroscopy in environmental and technical fields and examines the need to incorporate both theory and hands-on experience in teaching the use of a spectrophotometer. Next, the report considers the usefulness of the Instrumentation Laboratories Model 551 microprocessor-controlled spectrophotometer with video output in training students to set up the instrument; run calibration standards to generate a calibration curve; and calculate a sample measurement. This discussion emphasizes that the immediate feedback provided by the microprocessor spares the student the necessity of performing time-consuming, obfuscating tasks, such as "fiddling with" dials, and allows him/her to concentrate on AA theory. The remainder of the report examines the educational value of a spectrophotometer video output component in: videotaping experiment procedures; videotaping various expository demonstrations, so that students can observe the effects of, for example, aspiration rate or flame stoichiometry; videotaping instrument output related to flameless techniques; and aiding the instructor in preparing materials for students prior to performing an AA experiment. (JP)