Suggests decision making techniques that can be used to estimate the consequences of choosing alternative courses of action, to select an optimum strategy, or to determine how sensitive predicted outcomes are to particular assumptions. Microcomputer use, quantitative techniques, and examples involving item reordering and adoption of word…

Alternatives to the normal detail bid specifications usually required for public institutions of higher education to purchase computer software are examined. It is suggested that the request for proposal method described offers the consumer a better understanding of individual software vendors' products. (Author/SF)

To avoid underuse, inaccessibility, and obsolescence when choosing, purchasing, and using technology, educators should maximize the number of students sharing machines, build technology into the curriculum, ensure continuous accessibility, network computers, and build physical plant considerations into their purchase plans. A single high-end…

Points out that purchasers of CD-ROM products do not acquire the same rights as they do when purchasing print products. Licensing terms and agreements of 12 CD-ROM producers are examined and the making of backup copies of support software, downloading, multiple use and other restrictions, and negotiating different licensing terms are discussed.…

Designed to be a source of information for educators about interactive videodiscs, this handbook presents an overview of the technology and offers additional sources to be consulted for more detailed information. It is noted that, although this second edition of a 1985 publication has gone through extensive changes, clarifications, and…

Issues of copyright policy and software licensure at Drexel University that were developed during the introduction of a new microcomputing program are discussed. Channels for software distribution include: individual purchase of externally-produced software, distribution of internally-developed software, institutional licensure, and "read…

Four information retrieval packages that run on single user microcomputers--CAIRS, INMAGIC, Sci-Mate, SIRE--are examined based on following criteria: storage requirements; hardware requirements; search features (Boolean logic, comparison searching, set building, truncation, and wild card characters); system output; security; system maintenance…

Examination of issues involved in acquiring appropriate microcomputer software for higher education focuses on the following points: developing your own software; finding commercially available software; using published evaluations; pre-purchase testing; customizing and adapting commercial software; post-purchase testing; and software use. A…

Descriptions of available microcomputer software cover basic software, word processing, database management systems, in-house information retrieval, searching of external online information retrieval systems, in-house library housekeeping, and financial and management software. Checklist of points to consider when acquiring software, 36…

Presents suggestions to assist vocational education personnel in acquiring computers and supporting materials. Such sources as foundations, interschool cooperation, public/private cooperation, donated equipment, and local fundraising are explored. (SK)

The social role of the personal computer and its implications for familial health were investigated in a study of approximately 100 families with microcomputers in their homes. Data were collected through a written questionnaire and through diskettes programmed to monitor day-to-day computer usage. Analysis emphasized both patterns in family use…

This document was designed to assist computer users with the ethical issues created by the widespread use of microcomputers at Drexel University, where there were over 5,000 Macintosh microcomputers in use on the campus as of the fall of 1984. It explains to faculty, students, and staff what the university expects and the law demands in regard to…

Designed to assist local board of education members, administrators, teachers, and parents, this guide provides information on planning a comprehensive computer education program and on selecting hardware and software. Planning topics discussed include purposes/types of computer use, staff training, location, distribution of computers across…

Recommends that potential educational software purchasers examine publications containing software reviews, become involved in workshops that develop evaluation criteria for technical issues and instructional considerations of educational software, and obtain samples of actual software free of charge for review. Suggested periodicals for software…

This article discusses criteria of a good computer software package to aid the public librarian in the building, weeding, and maintenance of a software collection for young adults. Highlights include manuals or documentation; bells, whistles, and color; and the true test of time. (EJS)