School districts should have a plan to reduce potential losses in the event of a data processing disaster. Describes the plan devised for the Fairfax County (Virginia) school system. (MLF)

Selection of administrative software requires analyzing present needs and, to meet future needs, choosing software that will function with a more powerful computer system. Other important factors to include are a professional system demonstration, maintenance and training, and financial considerations that allow leasing or renting alternatives.…

This article discusses how to use technology to collect, store, sort, and reformat assessment data on the school improvement process, explaining the use of desktop computers with databases and the use of portable devices in the assessment process. (SM)

School districts need a strategic, comprehensive, electronic data processing resources plan that would include the following major elements: (1) systems; (2) hardware; (3) software; (4) staffing; (5) control; and (6) projected budgets. (MLF)

This paper examines the administrative uses of the microcomputer, stating that high performance educational managers are likely to have microcomputers in their organizations. Four situations that would justify the use of a computer are: (1) when massive amounts of data are processed through well-defined operations; (2) when data processing is…

Advises on selecting and obtaining hardware and software for automating several daily school business management functions. Suggests methods for "scrounging" equipment at low cost and explains why outside expertise that might be required for operating mainframe computers is not necessary for operating modern microcomputers. (PGD)

Colleges and universities are initiating data warehouse projects to provide integrated information for planning and reporting purposes. A survey of 40 institutions with active data warehouse projects reveals the kinds of tools, contents, data cycles, and access currently used. Essential elements of an integrated information architecture are…

Some school districts are privatizing data-processing operations. In addition to commercial firms, local county or city governments can be contracted to run districts' computer operations. Advantages cited include more computing power for the money, personnel savings, and helping school districts concentrate on educating children. (MLF)

Computer system hard drives will fail at some time. Stresses preparing to cope with emergencies that cannot be prevented, including making arrangements for use of an alternative computer in case of system failure. Outlines requirements for a computer environment; explains that backup is the key to disaster recovery. Describes four public domain…

Described is a laboratory interface system including hardware, software, and student activities. Student use of this system is reviewed stressing experimental design skills and student-designed experiments. (CW)

An introduction to the use of computers for educational administrative purposes is offered in this book, which presents basic systems methodologies which can be used for selecting and designing computer applications. Traditional systems analysis techniques are used to illustrate the design of microcomputer applications at the school and district…

This administrative and instructional guide offers information and recommendations for computer design techniques based on literature sources and school district applications; design of micro- and mini-computer systems is intended for those with little or no experience. Chapter 1, "Planning for the Computer System: Choosing Purposes and Parts,"…

This "fastback" outlines the steps to take in computerizing school administration. After an introduction that lists the potential benefits of microcomputers in administrative offices, the booklet begins by delineating a three-step process for establishing an administrative computer system: (1) creating a district-level committee of administrators,…

College and university institutional researchers can use unemployment insurance wage and related files to describe and compare students' workplace status before, during, and after enrollment. However, some issues must be addressed, including data delays, uncovered employment and other work status, confidentiality of records, information…