The general feeling is that no predictions can be made based on agent-based social simulations. The outcomes of social simulations are based on the behaviors of individuals and their interactions. Behavioral models are always incomplete and often, also incorrect with respect to real behavior and thus the outcomes of agent-based social simulations…

The rapid evolution of today's video games now fills arcades, snack bars, and homes with an array of highly interactive, graphically vivid technical devices. This electronic environment is creating a worldwide communication network. Developments in this area will be beneficial provided that appropriate media policies can be framed. (Author/JN)

The evolution of school policy concerning computer use in Victoria (Australia) state secondary schools is reviewed. Computer technology is conceptualized as a social phenomenon. Discussed are the origins of microcomputing as a hobby, early uses of school microcomputing in Victoria, teacher organizations concerned with computer use, national policy…

To enable decision makers to become more aware of the levels of confidence that can be placed in the results of particular computerized decision models, methods for establishing confidence levels are discussed. The U.S. General Accounting Office has developed criteria and review procedures for evaluating computerized policy analysis models.…

Reasons behind the trend by health professional schools to use computers for storing, sorting, and retrieving student data are discussed. Methods are suggested to ensure that the data system will meet administrative and evaluative needs and be financially viable. (Author/GK)

Discusses issues related to the High Performance Computing and Communication program and National Research and Education Network (NREN) established by the High Performance Computing Act of 1991, including program management, specific program development, affecting policy decisions, access to the NREN, the Department of Education role, and…

The process of examining and reorganizing the computing system throughout the university is outlined, including decisions about hardware, policy for future computer use, information requirements, and provisions or policy formation. The structure and responsibilities of the Administrative Systems Committee are described. (MSE)

Five articles discuss options in European distance education, including setting up a satellite network, using a pan-European delivery system, computer conferencing, distance education as an element of policy, and an international networking project. (MSE)

The increase in computer facilities, applications, and access on college campuses raises concerns about information and resource management. In developing an information policy, Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) addressed a variety of issues, including legal liability, censorship, resource management, ownership of information, user responsibility,…

Describes the structure and operations of a computer simulation model used in Papua New Guinea, developed with technical assistance from UNESCO. Notes that model establishes baseline data on student enrollments, teacher posts, and costs of education, and can be used to simulate policies under consideration and provide output on student flows,…

Proposes a computer-based simulation technique--system dynamics--for use in policy development and decision making by community college administrators. Utilizes the technique to create a model showing the responses of three student income groups to increases in tuition. (DD)

The potentials and problems of using computer programs for developing college planning models and policy are discussed, and the capabilities of a number of commonly-used programs are outlined. The need for understanding and participation by nontechnical administrators is emphasized. (MSE)

A system dynamics model for the pricing of tuition is presented, illustrating how such models enable decision-makers to anticipate cause-and-effect relationships and test alternative courses of action. (Author)

Much marketing information can be obtained for admissions policy formation and forecasting from existing data sources, including course perceptions, the nature of the competition, and the admissions policies of the competition. The British university application system would benefit by exploiting computer applications of this concept. (MSE)

College records continue to accumulate, and either new record-keeping technology must be implemented or new personnel hired. New technology is expensive, but not when capabilities, demands, and personnel requirements are considered. However, more advanced record-keeping necessitates more technically sophisticated staff. (Author/MSE)