Discussion of an organizational change at the University of Wisconsin that merged two departments to create the Instructional Technology Center highlights staffing, including staff training and development; space and physical renovation; hardware and software acquisition; the use of multimedia; and implementing a new core curriculum. (LRW)

Based on experiences with use of microcomputers in a business computer programing curriculum at a community college, this article suggests guidelines for designing a computer laboratory that will meet the needs of disabled students. Specific hardware and software aids are recommended, and the importance of faculty attitude is discussed. (three…

At Clark State Community College (CSCC), in Ohio, faculty in the Commercial Art and English departments have investigated and debated the best uses for a Mac Lab. Computer needs for the Commercial Art Program were determined through visits to local businesses that produce art on a commercial level; to local secondary school commercial art…

Recent interest in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has been accompanied by an expansion in the demand for CALL centers. The planning and creation of these facilities present educators and administrators with a unique set of challenges. This article highlights these factors and illustrates how a CALL center can be successfully…

As part of its annual program review process, the Department of Engineering Technology at the Community College of Allegheny County, in Pennsylvania, conducted a study of computer usage in community college engineering technology programs across the nation. Specifically, the study sought to determine the types of software, Internet access, average…

Explores design considerations for a functional microcomputer lab, including ergonomics and furnishings; access for the disabled; the use of other media; hardware security; and software security, including virus protection. A summary paragraph comments on the role of planning and forecasting. A bibliography of eight titles for further reading is…

In spring 1992, a study was performed to identify the current use of microcomputers for instruction at community colleges in Kansas. A questionnaire was sent to 20 community colleges, requesting information on subject areas in which computers are used in instruction, types and quantities of computers used, types of operating systems used, use of…

Presents a case study of North Dakota State University and its move from a mainframe-oriented campus to one with an integrated mainframe-microcomputer system. Topics discussed include developing a set of standards for microcomputers, developing computer center support, and developing workshops and other programs for encouraging faculty use of…

The toolkit contains print and electronic resources, including (1) "eMERGing Literacy and Technology: Working Together", A 492 page curriculum guide; (2) "LitTECH Interactive Presents: The Beginning of Literacy", a DVD that provides and overview linking technology to the concepts of emerging literacy; (3) "Your Preschool Classroom Computer Center:…

Preparatory to establishing a computer services program for residents, Presbyterian Homes, a multi-campus continuing care retirement community, conducted an assessment of residents' computer needs, ownership, and usage. Based on the results of the needs assessment, computer resource rooms were established at each facility, with computer hardware…

The Instructional Technology Support Center (ITSC) provides training and support for the use of instructional technology by K-12 teachers and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) faculty. The goals of the ITSC include: training pre-service and in-service teachers in the use of instructional technology; improving MTSU teaching through expanded…

Lack of accessibility in the design of e-learning courses continues to hinder students with vision impairment. E-learning materials are predominantly vision-centric, incorporating images, animation, and interactive media, and as a result students with acute vision impairment do not have equal opportunity to gain tertiary qualifications or skills…

The Educational Research Department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg) attempts to go beyond conventional use of a computer laboratory by offering services to further the educational knowledge of its students. Laboratory staff members demonstrate methods needed to accomplish educational tasks for program…

The purpose of this monograph is to provide useful guidelines for teachers and to review findings in the literature with respect to the positive instructional value of computers in the classroom. Following an introduction, research findings are organized into seven topics: (1) Availability and Use: past availability and use, current availability…

Using a computer should be an important part of children's education. Some guidelines are provided to help parents evaluate the value of computer use in their children's school. School policies should provide for a well-equipped laboratory, a variety of appropriate software, and a way for students to network with other students. All students,…