Oakland Schools, headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan, is an agency and a resource-providing service. A major service is applying modern computer technology to the education process in school districts. (Author/MLF)

Some of the implications and advantages of an instructional approach using results from the calculus of finite differences and finite sums, both for motivation and as tools leading to applications, are discussed. (MP)

Partnerships are examined using information gathered in interviews with over 20 chief information officers or chief academic computing officers at universities considered leaders in information technology. Issues addressed include why partnerships are formed; four types; how they are formed; the importance of vendor contract; and impact.…

The common campus dilemma of decreasing or distributing central information systems (IS) resources while pursuing development of mission-critical systems that will require increased central IS support is discussed. Areas in which such increased support is needed are outlined, and the need for leadership is described. Specific steps are suggested.…

A mechanism for using personal computer spreadsheet software to generate unique laboratory and problem assignments in optics for each student and provide corresponding solutions that can be checked quickly is described. The method minimizes some students' tendency to inspect others' solutions without solving problems themselves. Another…

Document imaging, a technology that transforms printed text, figures, and pictures into computer-accessible forms, may be offered as a solution to document management problems involving space and personnel. Administrators and planners should understand relevant issues, considerations, difficulties, and options. Examples are drawn from the…

Spreadsheets can help teachers manage a variety of routine tasks with ease. From creating class lists to taking surveys and graphing results, spreadsheet programs have limitless classroom potential. This article offers six ways to put spreadsheets to work, including class lists, all-about-me surveys, name tags, calendars, skill-building games, and…

The role of the computer in the classroom can range from "toy" to be used when boredom sets in to mechanical monster that monopolizes precious classroom time with little residual benefit. However, a middle ground exists. At Auburn University (Alabama), the computer is used in an intermediate French course to complement rather than…

A newsletter addresses the issues school administrators should consider in planning and implementing the use of microcomputers in their schools. Described are ways in which microcomputers will change management, the variety of ways computers can be used in educational administration, classroom activities using computer-based instruction, criteria…

Current instructional uses of computers primarily involve an individualized approach which requires assigning one student per computer. However, the computer can also serve as an "electronic chalkboard" in small and large group instruction in the middle school. The equipment required for the electronic chalkboard include: (1) the…

This report reviews eight IBM-compatible software packages that are available to secondary schools to teach computer-aided drafting (CAD). Software packages to be considered were selected following reviews of CAD periodicals, computers in education periodicals, advertisements, and recommendations of teachers. The packages were then rated by…

This manual for counselors is intended for use with CHOICES, a computer assisted career guidance system. Following a brief introduction to CHOICES, the structure (in chart form) and an overview of the contents of the CHOICES system are given. Chapter 2 focuses on counseling clients, emphasizing the three-step helping process, i.e., preCHOICES, to…

The meteoric rise of the computer age is a challenge for public educators, many of whom are still unfamiliar with basic computer technology. Yet many educators are finding that they can correct their misconceptions about computers by becoming "computer aware." Computer awareness comes from gaining a knowledge of computer history; a basic…

This guide is intended for use in introducing students to the operation and applications of computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems. The following topics are covered in the individual lessons: understanding CAD (CAD versus traditional manual drafting and care of software and hardware); using the components of a CAD system (primary and other input…

This directory consists of a compilation of information from a survey of 101 school food service administrators to ascertain specific information on computer hardware, software, and applications currently used in their school food service operations. It is designed to assist school food service administrators in developing or enhancing systems…