Reflecting recent developments in computer-based information systems, this book consists of verbal and flow-charted descriptions of 35 exemplary federal systems. They are arranged by government agency, with each description providing background information, discussions of current operations, and future plans. (SH)

This report examines the knowledge and experience gained from the implementation of three PLATO IV terminal devices: the microfiche system, the touch panel, and the random-access audio device. These devices, when attached to a PLATO IV terminal, serve to expand the types of input and output which can be managed by the terminal. For each peripheral…

Discusses ways that supercomputers are being used in the manufacturing industry, including the design and production of airplanes and automobiles. Describes problems that need to be solved in the next few years for supercomputers to assume a major role in industry. (TW)

The author argues the necessity of ensuring that mathematics is perceived by children as being useful. An example is provided which is intended to give children experiences which might help them develop a rationale for learning. It involves an item of computer software which simulates car racing. (PK)

The School of Education at the University of Exeter (England) is developing a curriculum project in which secondary school students learn history by using prepared computer programs, by using the computer as an electronic blackboard, and by doing their own programing. The Exeter project is described. (RM)

How microcomputers can be used in the elementary social studies classroom to teach and reinforce new concepts, to relieve teachers of a variety of time-consuming chores, and to motivate students to produce creative projects is discussed. (RM)

Discusses the uses and effect of computers in schools. Describes and discusses the three general categories of services and activities associated with microcomputer applications that are provided by the Tennessee State Department of Education: instructional support tools, curriculum programs and literacy activities, and technical assistance. (SB)

Discusses the differences between computer-assisted and computer-managed instruction (CMI), identifies the central themes running through CMI, presents a general definition of CMI, gives a functional overview of CMI, and develops definitions pertaining to CMI functions and systems. (Author/JL)

Examines the "reality behind the hype" surrounding the Internet. Discusses its early development; growth and present state; and key applications, including e-mail, voice/video telephony, integrated messaging, electronic commerce, the World Wide Web, and Web commerce, Intranet, Extranet; education and training; security; ownership; and…

Presented are some current facts about symbol manipulators and their relation to high school mathematics. The development of computer algebra systems is discussed. Five areas of computer algebra needing investigation (skill proficiency, understanding, curriculum content, student homework, and equity) are identified. (MVL)

Reviews current literature about personal, demographic, situational, and cognitive attributes that affect computer-aided decision making. The effectiveness of computer-aided decision making is explored in relation to decision quality, effectiveness, and confidence. Studies of the effects of age, anxiety, cognitive type, attitude, gender, and prior…

Maintains that most computer tutorials retain a print orientation substituting connected computer screens for the pages of a book. Argues for a more creative use of computers' interactive capability. Presents three model tutorials concerning the Maastricht Treaty and U.S. Constitutional ratification. (MJP)

Topics of Poster Presentations include: electronic preprints; intranets; poster session abstracts; metadata; information retrieval; watermark images; video games; distributed information retrieval; subject domain knowledge; data mining; information theory; course development; historians' use of pictorial images; information retrieval software;…

This paper describes how the computer program "Elections," was used to trace voting patterns during Super Tuesday, the U.S. presidential primary elections held on March 5, 1988. The voting results were entered into the computer as the primary returns were reported on national television. The computer mapping provided an improved means…

Notes on topics of interest, such as a new computer-based system designed to provide more anecdotal information about student performance than that provided on traditional report cards, and a security program in which after-hours security guards check in hourly by telephone with a computer. (JF)