Discusses and provides addresses of major computer software catalogs for classroom computers. IBM's "Software for Education" is detailed and informative. Other catalogs are from K-12 MicroMedia and Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC). Suggestions on purchase of hardware are briefly reviewed. (CJH)

In response to complaints about a suburban Washington school district's handling of job applicant data, Fairfax County (Virginia) designed and programed a computerized applicant-tracking system that can accommodate 14,000 active applicants. This system has boosted the district's recruitment analysis and report generation capability, thereby…

Describes several new Internet features for classroom use, including two documents answering frequently asked user and technical guidance questions, a Voice of America international news service, America Online's trial inclusion of Gopher and Wide Area Information Server (WAIS) databases, a help file for Windows users, and a USENET e-mail news…

Approximately 435,000 personal computers (roughly 10% of all computers in K-12 education) are used for administrative work. Administrators find that four applications are proliferating: organizing information with database software; communicating with electronic mail and bulletin boards; enhancing presentations with graphics or multimedia…

By relying on new computer hardware and software, school food service departments can keep better records of daily food consumption, free and reduced-price meals, inventory, production, and other essentials. The most commonly used systems fall into two basic categories: point-of-sale computers and behind-the-counter systems. State funding efforts…

Expert systems offer school possibilities beyond relieving employees of routine work. In the future, expert systems will become tools for budgeting, staff training, and teaching. Describes a system developed at Utah State University, "Mandate Consultant," that helps school staff review the legally mandated steps in developing individualized…

Because unskilled teachers are unlikely to promote effective educational use of computers, the Catasauqua (Pennsylvania) Area School District compensates its teachers for computer training and provides them with computers for home use. The nonsalary cost of this successful program, modeled after Kirkland, Washington's experience, is less than…

When purchasing a computer system that will handle both administrative and instructional needs, school executives need to know the ability of the hardware and software to do the job, and the level of vendor support available after the computer has been installed. Lists 14 questions to assess the vendor's commitment and continuing support. (MLF)

The Canandaigua City (New York) School District successfully incorporated educational technology into a capital project, thanks to efficient planning. Planners should build a team, shape a vision, work backwards toward specifics, keep the plan flexible, put off hardware decisions, choose the best software, invest in training and support, and…

A look at the quality of some of the research on school computer use shows many shortcomings. Lists 19 questions to ask and answer before judging the effect of computers. (MLF)

In a few select high schools in the U.S., supercomputers are allowing talented students to attempt sophisticated research projects using simultaneous simulations of nature, culture, and technology not achievable by ordinary microcomputers. Schools can get their students online by entering contests and seeking grants and partnerships with…

Describes a partnership linking an Indiana high school's computerized library catalog to the library resources of Ball State University. Advanced placement English seniors received training in university research methods from reference librarians and later trained other classmates. The catalog is also being used as a professional resource for…

Huge infusion of technology is coming into education; nothing can stop it, because so much money is involved. With computer marketers in driver seat instead of teachers, schools risk being blinded by science. Vendors have coopted progressive education buzzwords, including "frontal teaching,""linear thinking," and "computer…

To keep expensive computer software and hardware functioning requires good housekeeping, some protective equipment, ground rules, and supervision. Schools can arrange microcomputer maintenance through service agreements with computer manufacturers, pay-as-you-go service from local computer stores, or setting up their own maintenance and repair…

Teachers need to become comfortable with computers and to find out how to use computers in their teaching. Tips for training teachers include developing an inservice training corps, hiring teachers with computer expertise for peer instruction, and utilizing free services and materials. (MLF)