When computers first became available, scholars in the humanities made little use of them. Language applications were introduced by non-linguists. By contrast, numerical applications were pursued widely in the physical sciences, engineering, and business. Only recently have computer languages and hardware been developed for managing human…

A discussion of information management within institutions looks at the relationship between data administration, the application of formal rules and methods to information resources, and distributed data processing, the dispersion of computing functions, and data at electronically interconnected nodes within the organization. Technology, tools,…

The common campus dilemma of decreasing or distributing central information systems (IS) resources while pursuing development of mission-critical systems that will require increased central IS support is discussed. Areas in which such increased support is needed are outlined, and the need for leadership is described. Specific steps are suggested.…

A mechanism for using personal computer spreadsheet software to generate unique laboratory and problem assignments in optics for each student and provide corresponding solutions that can be checked quickly is described. The method minimizes some students' tendency to inspect others' solutions without solving problems themselves. Another…

Document imaging, a technology that transforms printed text, figures, and pictures into computer-accessible forms, may be offered as a solution to document management problems involving space and personnel. Administrators and planners should understand relevant issues, considerations, difficulties, and options. Examples are drawn from the…

The role of the computer in the classroom can range from "toy" to be used when boredom sets in to mechanical monster that monopolizes precious classroom time with little residual benefit. However, a middle ground exists. At Auburn University (Alabama), the computer is used in an intermediate French course to complement rather than…

This report reviews eight IBM-compatible software packages that are available to secondary schools to teach computer-aided drafting (CAD). Software packages to be considered were selected following reviews of CAD periodicals, computers in education periodicals, advertisements, and recommendations of teachers. The packages were then rated by…

Technology can assist in recordkeeping that enhances college alumni fund raising. Colleges can contract with commercial vendors who use databases to update address and telephone number records. Keeping track of even small donors can be an effective fund-raising strategy. (MSE)

Computer-based problem-solving examinations in immunology generate graphic representations of students' search paths, allowing evaluation of how organized and focused their knowledge is, how well their organization relates to critical concepts in immunology, where major misconceptions exist, and whether proper knowledge links exist between content…

Presents preliminary findings from the "Second National Survey of Instructional Uses of School Computers." Areas explored include how many teachers regularly use computers with students, what subjects computer-using teachers teach, who gets to use school computers (boys or girls), and other areas. (JN)

Experimental comparisons between computer-based and human judgments of speech quality of two normal talkers and a hearing impaired child receiving speech therapy on the Indiana Speech Training Aid found humans slightly better at judging speech quality but the computer much more reliable. Results support computer-based speech evaluation for some…

Stimuli used in research on the perception of the speech signal have often been obtained from simple filtering and distortion of the speech waveform, sometimes accompanied by noise. However, for more complex stimulus generation, the parameters of speech can be manipulated, after analysis and before synthesis, using various types of algorithms to…

Systems dynamics, a computer-based tool for visualizing how parts of an organization work together over time, is a valuable tool in administrative decision making. Feedback loops among elements mimic complicated behavior in real or imagined situations. An experiment using the technique with a simple research funding model validated its utility.…

Grants management staff at the Bureau of Health Professions, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, used existing computer technology and staff expertise to automate several steps in one grant program. Creative use of computers and software resulted in significant time savings, better staff use, and recording of data to improve grants…

One section of graduate-level social work practice was taught to use microcomputers whereas another was not; all students reported high levels of computer interest, use, receptivity, and ownership. At posttest and one-semester followup, nonsignificant differences between training and control sections were found on measures of use, interest, and…