This document describes the development of the PLATO system, and six figures illustrate the chronological development of PLATO terminals, lesson programing languages, instructional material, and system usage. A list of financial supporters of PLATO and the Computer-based Educational Research Laboratory is followed by a chronological listing of…

Simplifying and securing an IT infrastructure is not easy. It frequently requires rethinking years of hardware and software investments, and a gradual migration to modern systems. Even so, writes the author, universities can take six practical steps to success: (1) Audit software infrastructure; (2) Evaluate current applications; (3) Centralize…

Discussion of CD (compact disc) recorders describes recording applications, including storing large graphic files, creating audio CDs, and storing material downloaded from the Internet; backing up files; lifespan; CD recording formats; continuous recording; recording software; recorder media; vulnerability of CDs; basic computer requirements; and…

Defines in general terms the nature of computers, describes the various types of computers, discusses the characteristics and applications of the types of computers mentioned, reviews some basic facts about computer technology and computer hardware, and outlines a set of options for libraries considering acquiring a computer system. (JL)

Reviews hardware (microfilm, videodiscs, computers) which can process and retrieve large amounts of educational information. Identifies ways in which computer-based techniques can be used for course management, direct learning, and research. (Author/DC)

This collection of three monographs focuses on the development of computerized student and personnel recordkeeping systems. Descriptions of three different computerized systems are presented. The first monograph describes the efforts of the School of Education at Florida International University to overcome problems related to the management of…

The computerized data control system used at the Furstenberg Student Study Center at the University of Michigan Medical School is described. (MK)

Discusses the user benefits of write-once optical storage devices; describes typical applications in archival storage, one-off complex instruction sets, and information storage and retrieval systems; and identifies current trends toward standardization of equipment. (CLB)

The PLATO IV computer-based educational system contains its own communications hardware and software for operating plasma-panel graphics terminals. Key echoing is performed by the central processing unit: every key pressed at a terminal passes through the entire system before anything appears on the terminal's screen. Each terminal is guaranteed…

Examines the current development of computer compact disk storage devices (CD-ROM). Describes the basics of how the CD-ROM operates and identifies educational uses. Lists companies currently providing CD-ROM software and producing CD-ROM players. (MVL)

Centers on the current interest of using CD-ROM for text retrieval. Describes the digital video interactive (DVI) system which integrates graphics, audio, and video images with text. Explores why CD-ROM use by scientists is limited. (MVL)