Many school business officials have turned to computer equipment leasing. A lease arrangement permits administrators to stretch annual budgets, to appropriate funds, and to easily upgrade or change equipment. Another alternative to high-cost computer purchase is to buy or lease used equipment. (MLF)

Outlines a systematic approach for evaluating the needs and potential problems involved when school districts seek to update their current information systems. Considers the following components: financial, technical, computer literacy, and information system management infrastructure. (MLF)

This activity packet offers simple directions for setting up a Morse Code system appropriate to interfacing with any of several personal computer systems. Worksheets are also included to facilitate teaching Morse Code to persons with visual or other disabilities including blindness, as it is argued that the code is best learned auditorily. (PB)

Discusses the Inter-CIC Authentication and Authorization Project (ICAAP) of the Big Ten Joint Project (BTJP), a technical group who suggests uses of technology that address business issues commonly shared by Big Ten universities. Describes pilot project goals; the technical, operational, and contractual situation; the World Wide Web transaction…

Guidelines for educational Web sites are discussed: determining the purpose; providing essential identifiers; determining page length; revising; establishing Internet Child Safety rules; providing a model for observing copyright law; providing links to home pages; using professional language; using images judiciously; assuring the page looks good…

Follows the development of hypertext which is the electronic movement of large amounts of text. Probes the use of the Macintosh HyperCard and its applications in education. Notes programs are stackable in the computer. Provides tool, resource, and stack directory along with tips for using HyperCard. (MVL)

This paper focuses on the applications of computer technology to enhancing personal and organizational productivity in schools. One school's experience selecting, implementing and adapting organizational computer systems is described, from schoolwide networks to manage electronic mail and grading data to teacher-centered applications and access to…

School districts are confronted with many decisions about computerization and computer services. Reviews the current landscape of computer hardware and software technology. Presents a computer decision-making process, including a flow chart. (MLF)

Computer system hard drives will fail at some time. Stresses preparing to cope with emergencies that cannot be prevented, including making arrangements for use of an alternative computer in case of system failure. Outlines requirements for a computer environment; explains that backup is the key to disaster recovery. Describes four public domain…

Discussed are several designs for integrating computers into the instructional program of the school. Included are the classroom based computer, the laboratory model, and the mini-lab model. Floor plans and suggestions are included. (CW)

Offers basic information for childcare directors on purchasing computer hardware and software for the center. Covers reasons for having computers, downsides to computers, the kind of computer to buy, minimum requirements for Windows-based computers and Macintosh computers, and other accessories. Presents brief descriptions of 9 software packages…

For educators interested in developing Web sites, four major issues should be addressed--ethics, prerequisites, design, and layout. By giving attention to these four areas, teachers will develop Web sites that improve their teaching and increase the opportunities for student learning. Each of these areas is addressed in detail, including:…

Some important considerations for potential courseware authors to think about before they enter the authoring process are discussed. A description of the hardware requirements, an evaluation of 11 authoring tools based on quality and cost, and the conclusions are provided. (KR)

A survey of America's 244 largest school districts, with responses from 215, showed that 28 percent are actively procuring at least 1 of 3 major administrative information systems: financial, human resources, or student information. Describes the installation and use of a new information infrastructure in a Maryland school district. (MLF)

This report examines subsections of the computer network topology that relate to end-to-end performance and capacity planning in schools. Active star topology, Category 5 wiring, Ethernet, and intelligent devices are assumed. The report describes a model that can be used to project WAN (wide area network) connection speeds based on user traffic,…