Offers thoughts concerning the difficulties school administrators face in choosing microcomputer equipment and software with technology improving so rapidly. General purpose software and specific applications are discussed, and a checklist of 18 questions for administrators to use during initial inquiries about software packages is included. (EJS)

Discusses the impact of microcomputers on college campuses. Software development, recent advances in microcomputer technology, arrangements for computing on campus (workstations or computers for individual students), costs, and student reactions are among the areas considered. (JN)

A retrospective conversion tool permitting libraries with a microfiche reader and Apple microcomputer to convert bibliographic and holdings files to computer-readable tapes in MARC format is described. The basic process, library costs and MARC tape costs, use of system in Wisconsin, and user's view of the system are noted. (EJS)

Discusses the applications of microcomputers in education, the available hardware, peripheral equipment, costs, user training, software, management considerations, and implications for the future. Twenty-nine references are cited. (FM)

Examines features of consumer online services (CompuServe, Source, Apple) highlighting electronic mail, job listing, news and "tip" information, financial services, programing, citizen band simulation, online encyclopedia, costs, Gamemaster (a game system in Evanston, Illinois), electronic bulletin boards, and communications software…

Describes how the Stillwater (Minnesota) Independent School District uses microcomputers and an adaptation of a widely available software program to compute, during collective bargaining sessions, the costs to the district of proposed compensation packages for teachers and other employees. (RW)

Elected officials have a special obligation to monitor and make informed decisions about computer expenditures. In doing so, officials should insist that a needs assessment be carried out; review all cost and configuration data; draw up a master plan specifying user needs as well as hardware, software, and personnel requirements; and subject…

A consultant team made an independent assessment of future prospects for the field of computer use in the central government of Great Britain. They first assessed the level of use of computers at the present time in all governmental agencies. They then forecast the future computer applications which developing technology will permit. They…

Medsirch (Medical Search) is an information retrieval system designed to aid in preparing examinations for medical students. There are two versions of the system: a sequential access file suitable for shallow indexing with a broad choice of search terms and a random direct access file for deep indexing with a restricted range of choices for search…

Designed to assist administrators in making intelligent decisions about microcomputer selection, this nontechnical guide provides information in three areas: how, where, when, and why to use a microcomputer; what questions to ask about software and hardware; and what terminology to use. It provides a framework for answering six questions the…

In an effort to shed light on the advent of the computer and its applications at small, two-year colleges, this report describes a national survey and case studies of five small colleges to determine their current use of computer services, the role and method of governance of computer-based information systems, and the policies affecting them. The…

An approach to a cost analysis of pilot, prototype, model and operational versions of the Southwest Regional Laboratory's (SWRL) Instructional Management System (IMS) is described. Five classes of systems (conceptual, pilot, prototype, model and operational) are defined, and a system development process relating classes of systems in presented.…

Discusses factors that should be considered before purchasing a computer, given the objectives of computer literacy; considering programing in Pascal or Logo, computer-assisted instruction, teaching practical applications, art and music, special education, telecommunications, administration, and library management. A chart showing prices and…

Project CLUE (Computer Learning Under Evaluation) was an extensive review of the state of the art of the instructional uses of computers. Students, laymen, administrators and teachers will find the first volume of the two volume final report directed to their needs. The introduction discusses the scope of computer uses considered and a timetable…