This report defines the functions of computer-managed learning (CML) as (1) test generation, correction, and analysis; (2) record keeping and reporting; (3) routing learners through a set of learning activities; and (4) charting learner progress for a variety of purposes. It then describes the hardware characteristics and configuration of three…

The expert system computer simulation detailed in this report is designed to investigate patterns of valuing in decision-making about dossiers of performance data used in teacher promotion evaluations. The knowledge base for the simulation consists of 111 questions organized into 117 rules. The questions and linked advice were derived from…

Special types of prosthetic devices have been designed to support the specific needs of disabled and handicapped computer users in retrieving information. Of particular importance are interfaces based on the use of sound, tactile operations, and gestures. Such interfaces may be used to provide disabled people with access to hypermedia information.…

Local area networks (LANs) are systems of computers and peripherals connected together for the purposes of electronic mail and the convenience of sharing information and expensive resources. In planning the design of such a system, the components to consider are hardware, software, transmission media, topology, operating systems, and protocols.…

Open systems are computer systems designed to meet vendor-neutral international standards. Significant characteristics of open systems are portability (software will run on dozens of hardware programs) and interoperability (computers of different brands can be connected and share resources). Discusses options available to switch to an open system.…

Presents tips for building a secure library system to guard against threats like hackers, viruses, and theft. Topics include: determining what is at risk; recovering from disasters; developing security policies; developing front-end security; securing menu systems; accessing control programs; protecting against damage from viruses; developing…

The Learning Activity Packets (LAPs) contained in this manual are designed to assist the beginning user in understanding DOS (Disk Operating System). LAPs will not work with any version below DOS Version 3.0 and do not address the enhanced features of versions 4.0 or higher. These elementary activities cover only the DOS commands necessary to…

Education depends on resources that may be tangible (teachers, facilities, textbooks, money) or intangible (political will, parental support). Considerations of space, usually in the form of questions containing the word "where", constitute another resource issue that confronts educational managers almost daily. Questions like…

This paper describes the techniques for implementing a full-screen, custom SPIRES interface for a public-use library database. The database-independent protocol that controls the system is described in detail. Source code for an entire working application using this interface is included. The protocol, with less than 170 lines of procedural code,…

This book is intended to help librarians and others to produce databases of better value and quality, especially if they have had little previous experience in database construction. Drawing upon almost 40 years of experience in the field of information retrieval, this book emphasizes basic principles and approaches rather than in-depth and…

Guidelines for educational Web sites are discussed: determining the purpose; providing essential identifiers; determining page length; revising; establishing Internet Child Safety rules; providing a model for observing copyright law; providing links to home pages; using professional language; using images judiciously; assuring the page looks good…

Examines the primary considerations in choosing a computer for Web access in a school setting: (1) Internet connection; (2) operating system; (3) processor and memory; (4) video subsystem; (5) audio; and (6) hard disk. Suggests having both a budget and a high-end personal computer. (AEF)

Discussion of the use of authoring systems for courseware development focuses on guidelines to be considered when designing authoring systems. Topics discussed include allowing a variety of instructional strategies; interaction with peripheral processes such as student records; the editing process; and human factors in computer interface design,…

Describes some of the available software and hardware tools that can be used to develop a decision support system implemented on microcomputers. Activities that should be supported by software are discussed, including data entry, data coding, finding and combining data, and data compatibility. Hardware considerations include speed, storage…

Five major considerations to be addressed by college development programs before upgrading a computer system include: (1) evaluating functions of the current system; (2) assessing system capabilities needed; (3) discovering what users need; (4) deciding whether to patch an older system, build a new one in house, or buy it complete; and (5)…