Discusses computer-based instructional management systems and explains how they can help meet goals of individualized learning. Hardware and software components are explained, the use of an instructional management system in a middle school is described, system selection considerations are suggested, and teacher benefits are considered. (LRW)

The ways in which the Medical College of Pennsylvania has coped with exceptional growth in its externally funded research in the last seven years are discussed. Management has used commercially available computer software and two personal computers to establish five databases and facilitate provision of services. (Author/MSE)

Describes the development of educational computer software called scenario software that was designed to incorporate advances in cognitive, affective, and physiological research. Instructional methods are outlined; the need to change from didactic methods to discovery learning is explained; and scenario software design features are discussed. (24…

Describes an instruction and control architecture for classroom training (ICACT) developed by the Army Research Institute that uses off-the-shelf software to create an authoring system for military training systems. Topics addressed include requirements for ICACT architecture; object-oriented modular construction; and interfaces for training…

Discusses natural language retrieval systems, focusing on West Publishing Company's WIN (Westlaw Is Natural) system used with its case law database. Information retrieval models, the advantages and disadvantages of natural language retrieval, and the use of the approach by Congressional Quarterly's Washington Alert, Personal Librarian, and other…

Describes a follow-up program for enrolling day care center prospects. Follow-up within the center utilizes contact management software and a prospect profile system to record information about potential customers. External follow-up includes a telephone call to confirm an appointment to the center or to provide additional information to the…

Reviews problems with the use of the computer for science instruction in preschool and primary school classrooms. Describes efforts by educators enrolled in the Iowa Chautauqua Program to adapt appropriate materials for early childhood science instruction. Describes and evaluates specific computer programs which coincide with current goals for…

Describes the Edison Project, a plan to integrate technology into schools and school systems that will support communication, collaboration, research, text and multimedia authoring and publishing, resource access and management, assessment, and administration and management services. Computer networks that link schools and external sources are…

The first part of the annual automation marketplace survey examines minicomputer systems in libraries. Highlights include vendor consolidation and acquisitions; system interconnection; networked databases; products related to the Americans with Disabilities Act; multimedia; vendor installations worldwide; academic versus public library…

Describes the implementation of CD-ROM catalogs in two secondary school media centers. Hardware, software, and network details are presented. Database building is discussed, and factors to be considered in retrospective conversion are listed. Guidelines for student and faculty training are offered. (MES)

Five articles discuss information technology in libraries: (1) "Software for Libraries" (Katharine Phenix); (2) "Online Update: European Online Services" (Martin Kesselman); (3) "Connect Time: Online Pricing Breakthroughs" (Barbara Quint); (4) "Microcomputing: Micro Biology Computer Viruses" (James LaRue);…

Discussion of courseware development focuses on a transaction shell approach that stresses flexibility and reusability of the courseware. Topics discussed include high-level programing languages, authoring languages, authoring systems, knowledge structures, and knowledge acquisition; and an example for applying the transaction shell approach to…

Describes the development and installation of a hypermedia system for student use at the University of Texas Pan-American library that provides information about the library's resources as an alternative to existing printed materials. Highlights include selecting an authoring tool and computer hardware and the development of an icon-based system.…

Examines the relationship between intelligent agents (i.e., computer programs that carry out tasks for users) and intelligent tutoring systems and suggests implications for instructional theory and practice. A new model for instruction based on the concept of shared abilities and cooperative learning between humans and computers is discussed.…

Presents a methodology for the development of educational software for use in secondary education based on the characteristics of the students and the curricular objectives. Topics discussed include desirable features of educational software and the engineering of educational software, including its interdisciplinary nature. (Contains 10…