Before purchasing a specific microcomputer, school districts should consider what types of software applications are desired, whether the micro is capable of being upgraded, which software and operating systems are supported by the micro at present, and how many of the particular model are currently operating. Hardware and software are evaluated.…

Describes the management advantages computers can bring to small school districts. Advises purchasers to select quality software first, then purchase a computer that can handle the software. (MLF)

Discusses some of the major genetic information processes which may be modeled by computer program string manipulation, focusing on replication and transcription. Also discusses instructional applications of using string models. (JN)

Describes use of PFS: File, a database management program for microcomputers that can be effectively utilized in periodical management, at the Apple Computer Library. The menu, format of the forms, checking in periodicals and listing missing issues, updating, reports, the periodical catalog, and helpful information are highlighted. Examples are…

Reports on computer-assisted instruction materials for use in special education settings (readiness level, reading, math, home and school, remedial/secondary, career/vocational education, programing/computer literacy, adaptive communication devices); professional application software (authoring systems, administration, testing); and software…

Discusses the basic design and special features of robotic dialing systems that are programmed to make calls to parents of truant students and presents detailed information on seven currently available self-dialing attendance systems. (MBR)

Beginning with a simple computer program to teach a fundamental concept and building in small increments is suggested. For the topic of repeated operations, three activities, an extension, and some problems are given. (MNS)

With computers, tangible tools are represented by the hardware (e.g., the central processing unit, scanners, and video display unit), while intangible tools are represented by the software. There is a special category of computer-based software tools (CBSTs) that have the potential to mediate cognitive processes--computer-based cognitive tools…

This study investigated what happened when the "Ultimate Writing and Creativity Center" computer program was utilized by four second grade students in an after-school writing workshop. The setting for this study was a public elementary school in a suburb of Philadelphia. The sample consisted of four students in second grade. The…

Common challenges faced by colleges and universities in fulfilling information system needs are explained and discussed, including frequent and bothersome database and application program upgrades, bugs in the application programs, business systems lacking the required business capability, upgrades to software tools used to build the business…

Technologies can help overcome some human problems in strategic planning. Group Support Systems technology allows issues to be divorced from the people proposing them and allows debatelike discussion. Strategic Conferencing with a multiattribute value model supports shared understanding and provides modeled scenarios of consequences. Mental…

Investigated was a sequence of computer-based activities on estimation with 108 students in grades 9, 10, and 12. The activities were appropriate for students at each grade level; each class improved their estimation scores significantly. (MNS)

To answer students' questions about predicting grade averages or projecting grades needed to attain specific grade goals, academic advisors can use computerized grade calculations. Spreadsheet and HyperCard versions of grade calculation software are discussed and illustrated, and suggestions are offered for using them in specific advising…

A listing of new software packages appropriate to college alumni and fund-raising program administration includes 26 packages for personal computer systems and 25 for larger systems. Listings include the name and address of the vendor, contact person's name and telephone number, software titles, software cost, hardware, and intended institutional…

A program using interactive software based on repertory grid techniques was used to monitor progress of first-year nursing students at the University of London, to learn student reactions to courses and illuminate individual difficulties and concerns. The approach is found to provide useful information to course providers and evaluators.…