In March 2007, SirsiDynix notified its Horizon and classic Dynix customers that it would not be releasing Horizon 8.0 in favor of developing its Unicorn software. As vice president/president-elect of SirsiDynix's Horizon/Dynix user group, the author was one of the first ones to be notified of this abrupt change in company strategy. The news sent…

Discusses the selection and evaluation of locally mounted computer files for health sciences libraries, including informational programs such as bibliographic and factual databases; computer-assisted instruction programs; and expert systems. Topics addressed include print sources; database sources; selection criteria, including content and cost;…

Investigates the current state of desktop videoconferencing by exploring the criteria for effective Web-based delivery and communication requirements for effective videoconferencing. Highlights include providing effective training, including team training, group problem solving, and learner performance assessments; communication infrastructure;…

The Educational Technology Center and the Teacher Education Program at the SUNY College at Old Westbury (New York) used a cooperative approach to integrate computer technology into the teacher education curriculum and to train pre-service teachers how to use this technology successfully in the classroom. In 1989, the Teacher Education Program felt…

Describes the creation of a wide-area network for school districts based on one developed at the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (Texas). Topics include conducting a needs assessment, selecting hardware and software, issuing a Request for Proposals, management capabilities, network installation, the bidding process, the…

Describes mobile computer carts developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science that use IBM PS/2 computers and Personal Science Laboratory probeware. Activities using temperature probes for elementary and secondary school students are described, including greenhouse environments, ice cream/chemical reactions, probe races, motion studies, and…

Discusses the increasing number of college students taking courses online via the Internet and describes student help pages from various colleges to determine their content. Examines equipment requirements, tutorials on computer procedures, technical support, and the need for effective orientation to this new type of course. (LRW)

Discusses the digital-image storage system at the Archivo General de Indias (Seville) that was developed to conserve original documents and to provide optimal access by researchers. Highlights include image quality, storage medium, computer equipment, remote access, security problems, problems of intellectual property and document ownership,…

Describes a strategy for selecting a delivery method for electronic resources based on experiences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Considers local conditions, pricing, feature options, hardware costs, and network availability and presents a model for evaluating the decision based on dollar requirements and local issues. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the educational uses of digital cameras and describes a fourth grade project that created a computerized yearbook. Lists available digital cameras, including prices; describes benefits, including speed; and explains negative aspects, including cost of the cameras and computer hardware and software requirements. (LRW)

Moodle and Blackboard are two of the most famous and widely-known Learning Management Systems (LMS) over the world especially in the universities and other educational organizations. They have lots in common, but also have some key differences which make each one special in its own way. We note these differences below. If you have used any one of…

Describes a prototype computer interaction with primary school students in Hong Kong that uses Image Map Technology in English and Chinese. Discusses possible enhancements by comparisons with games on other Web sites and considers management issues including hardware, software, user training, and funding. (Author/LRW)

Describes the design and installation of an Internet gopher server to support classroom instruction and professional development projects in a graduate college of education. Topics include use by administrators, selecting the most appropriate technology, hardware and software selection, and informational resources of the gopher. (Author/LRW)

Describes the experiences at the Williamsburg (Virginia) Regional Library when the children's department closed for two months for renovations and temporary quarters were created in a bookmobile in a nearby parking lot. Discusses technology challenges involved in hooking up computers, selecting an appropriate collection that would fit, and…

Discusses the distinctions made between hardware and technology as applied to distance education. Highlights include hardware and technology in the planning process, media-delivery systems in higher education, communication in teaching and learning, and new definitions of educational technology. (LRW)