This introduction to a special report on telecommunications presents several compelling reasons why telecommunications is one of the most practical and beneficial applications of personal computer technology and briefly summarizes the other articles in this section. (MBR)

Describes relatively new computer software that can be used to maintain, analyze, and report large sets of educational data. The application of two of these packages to problems faced when manipulating educational data is demonstrated, and administrators are provided with information on the evaluation and selection of software products. (MER)

The Language Information Network and Clearinghouse System (LINCS) Project of the Center for Applied Linguistics was designed to be a formal, adaptive network of individuals and organizations whose objective is to facilitate the transfer of scientific information within the language science community. It is intended to improve on formal channels of…

The development of a computer-based decision support system for outcomes assessment at Southeast Missouri State University is described. A menu-driven, user-based retrieval and analysis and reporting system, the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) was designed. The decision support system incorporates two major components, research group…

This paper addresses some of the problems of data access and exchange by discussing what an educational research institution should do about data archiving and data facilities. The work undertaken at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education is described. Generally, efforts in the past have been given to computerization of bibliographic…

Use of the Application Transfer Study (ATS), a method of assessing information systems, to evaluate a dental school's information system is described, and its results are reported. It is concluded that the ATS was a worthwhile undertaking for both direct and indirect benefits derived from the analysis and the implementation of resulting…

Examines questions raised when implementing computerized versions of the "Looking After Children" materials in child-welfare services. Discussion concerns the difficulty of establishing common goals between information technology specialists and social work managers, the need to develop computer systems which are seen to benefit all parties…

Revolutionary developments in collecting and analyzing data for use in improving curriculum and instruction at the local level are now possible with the advent of low-cost computers. The basic purposes and approaches of assessment methodologies must be refocused for local application. (LMO)

In January of 1979, the Contracts and Grants Office at Utah State University implemented a computerized system to keep track of pending research proposals, as well as active grants. The automation process used is described from its conception, design, and implementation to future enhancements. (Author/MLW)

The procedures for producing a report on departmental service to nonmajors are described in detail. The objective was to provide information for decision-making needs without reliance on the standardized pre-packaged models. An alternative to the Induced Course Load Matrix (ICLM) of the Resource Requirements Prediction Model (RRPM) package of the…

The importance of information systems management to institutional research efforts of colleges and universities is discussed. The goal of information system management is to make an institution's information system more consistent, efficient, and informative. Each of the different functions of the university, such as admissions and registration,…

The potential for application of computer skills in legal practice is outlined, the process of planning and equipping a microcomputer laboratory in a law school is discussed, and several experimental programs using computers in the law school classroom are described. (MSE)

A computerized system on faculty research interests and activities, which was developed by an academic health sciences center, is described. The objective of the information system is to better match faculty capabilities with potential funding opportunities. The case study is designed to assist other institutions by outlining the characteristics…

The characteristics of application generators and the reasons they are and will be used increasingly in collegiate institutional research are addressed. The incorporation of application generators within a total institutional data and information processing network is also outlined. The analysis considers the often noted "gap" between…

A description of the state of the art regarding Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Education Information, with special emphasis on computer assisted information, is provided. A survey of BIA Central Office was conducted to: determine the total scope of Education Information currently being reported; identify the methods being used in developing the…