It is all about serving the customer. That is how capitalism plays out. It finds a market need and then creates a product or service to address that need. The Baby Boomer generation, all 76 million, will be retiring soon. Eventually, some may find it very hard to move about and do their routine food shopping. In this article, the author's…

Purchasing an inhouse computer system does not have to be a nightmare if you are aware of the obstacles and know how to overcome them. (Author/JM)

The criteria used by the University of Delaware in selecting the PLATO computer-based educational system are discussed in this document. Consideration was given to support for instructional strategies, requirements of the student learning station, features for instructors and authors of instructional materials, general operational characteristics,…

To maximize efficiency and minimize cost, purchasing departments are using computers to issue purchase orders, expedite orders, and control inventory. In order to familiarize prospective users, explanations of some of the terminology, equipment, and other pertinent facts associated with automation are supplied. Six pages, in outline form, explain…

Outlines the development of a computerized purchase requisition system for schools that is more efficient, cost effective, and dependable than a manual purchasing system. Includes two tables, one a model form for entering purchase orders, the other a purchase order detail form. (MD)

School districts can obtain computer services with purchase, lease, or network options. The advantages and disadvantages of each are explained. Guidelines are offered for assessing needs and determining costs of computer services. (MLF)

A number of microcomputer system characteristics are discussed and recommendations made that will help the educator in selecting a system. (MP)

Selection and specification of a minicomputer time-sharing system to extend computer facilities for large scale computer-based instruction projects at the University of Texas at Austin are described. Two and a half years of implementation and operating experience are summarized followed by seven specific course applications of the minicomputer.…

Electronic data processing provides a fast and accurate system for handling large volumes of routine data. If properly employed, computers can perform myriad functions for purchasing operations, including purchase order writing; equipment inventory control; vendor inventory; and equipment acquisition, transfer, and retirement. The advantages of…

Designed to provide information on educational computing to elementary and secondary school educators, particularly those in South Australia, this publication is produced once each term. The Term 1 issue includes the following articles: a description of Information Technology Month (July 1984) activities in South Australia; "Software Piracy…

Administrators in an Alabama school district found that purchasing their own data processing equipment was a better buy than the public consortium they had been using to supply data processing needs. The system, its uses, and advantages are described. (MLF)

To help California school board members make informed decisions about computers, this handbook offers a computer primer with examples of outstanding computer curriculum programs. Chapter 1 introduces basic computer terminology. Chapter 2 outlines issues to consider in computer acquisition and the initial implementation of computer curricula. The…

This survey describes the range of computer technology that the Great City Schools are now using for administrative and instructional purposes. The report looks at how city school systems are now planning to install computers; how they are managing the planning, the purchasing, and evaluation of equipment; what equipment is actually being…

College administrators are offered a series of questions to ask in evaluating the appropriateness of information technology for their campuses. Issues addressed include defining institutional goals and the role of information technology in them, determining the most effective organization of information resources and technology, and allocation of…