Perspectives on facilitating the use of quantitative tools in higher education decision-making are offered. Suggestions are directed to those in the institution who will be working with decision-makers, with a focus on how such individuals can assist the decision-maker in the development and use of computer-based tools. The instigators of computer…

Colleges should not be overly concerned with technology as an end in itself; computers are only part of the solution. As new applications are developed, interaction and information seeking of members of the academic community will change dramatically. Emphasis should be on service and support of technology to reach scholarly objectives. (MSE)

Successful introduction of school computer literacy programs, necessary in today's worldwide computer revolution, must take into account the nature both of this innovation and of school culture. Computer literacy will be a radical rather than ameliorative innovation and will challenge school culture. Hence an innovator must ensure that educators,…

A review of the general literature on diffusion, innovation, and social change is worthwhile as a basis for developing more effective methods for facilitating the adoption of computer-based technologies. Much of the research on diffusion has focused on (1) characteristics of the innovation which influence the diffusion process, (2) a description…

Looks at three areas in which college administrators should ensure that computers are available for faculty use (i.e., instruction, personal scholarship, and administrative tasks). Suggests ways of overcoming faculty resistance to computers and steps in a carefully planned and managed process of improving computer literacy. (DMM)

Scientific and technological advances affecting dental education in the near future are examined, including the growing role of saliva in diagnosis, direct imaging methods, biomaterials research, computer-aided design and manufacturing, molecular biology, and new restorative dentistry. It is argued that dentistry should be a fully recognized…

Using the book "Mindstorms--Children, Computers and Powerful Ideas" as a reference point, this paper deals with the sociological challenges raised by Seymour Papert and explores such issues as the role of computers as carriers of powerful ideas and the seeds of cultural change. Recent studies are cited indicating that although the…

The increased use of educational technology represents an attitudinal, as well as a technological, change in instruction. Educational technology affects instruction in that it allows the student to accept more of the responsibility and effort connected with learning; provides for new criteria for grading by competencies in specific areas; widens…

Over a 15-year period the use of computer technology in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools increased dramatically, expanding from a small operation supporting the finance department to a full system with applications in all aspects of administration at the central office and local school levels as well as in instruction. Four of the…

The use of computers by institutional researchers is considered, with a focus on West Germany and Europe. Two developmental stages concerning higher education's political and economic contexts and information technology are addressed, along with the emerging tasks of instititutional research in higher education, and the functioning of…

Educational changes in Wyoming that are linked to the emergence of new informational technologies are considered. Attention is directed to the following topics: assumptions for Wyoming educators as they plan to respond to the impact of technology on teacher education; the importance of educational goals and objectives; the national climate…

The general social context within which schools, colleges, and departments of education (SCDE's) operate is examined. The legitimate sphere of operations of SCDE's, referred to as a "domain", is composed of the clients served, the technologies employed, and the services or products provided to their environment. A lack of congruence is seen…

Review of television's relationship with schools highlights major problem areas--inadequate equipment maintenance funds and teacher training, and negative teacher attitudes--and shows that the integration of computers is experiencing similar problems. Differences worth pursuing are also discussed and ways to avoid problems with computer…

Minnesota's public educational system must be rebuilt in order to educate students for the complex and technological future, according to a committee of Citizens League members that met 42 times over 13 months with numerous educational observers and participants. The new educational structure should give parents more choices--with public…

The forces influencing or reflecting change in California's community colleges are discussed in this paper in the context of the crisis of identity facing these institutions. First, factors contributing to the rapid expansion of community college education in California are outlined, and the consequences of that growth are examined. Next, the…