Discusses the use of beginning, intermediate, and advanced databases for instructional purposes. A table listing seven databases with information on ease of use, smoothness of operation, data capacity, speed, source, and program features is included. (JN)

Discusses communications technologies now being refined for nationwide introduction to allow educational institutions to share their database resources at greatly accelerated speeds and with increasing ease. (JN)

The article offers guidelines for choosing a classroom computer and the necessary software. (SB)

Describes the data management and analysis system of the Lexington (Massachusetts) Public Schools. Discusses the system's database, data dictionary, and end user language and gives examples of the system's use in answering questions about school closings. (RW)

Provides suggestions for using on-line database systems (CompuServe, The Source, Dow Jones) in the classroom, presenting examples of the kinds of information and services available from CompuServe. Major CompuServe submenus are provided to illustrate encyclopedia searches, use of reference library, news sources, and accessing clubs and special…

A computerized student record system with a testing system that allows schools to fully utilize testing data is being developed at Oakland Schools in Pontiac, Michigan. Test data are integrated with a tremendous amount of other information. Designed for flexibility, up to 1200 items can be stored within a student record for each test…

A statewide survey was made of New Jersey public school facilities. Discussed are some of the benefits of the survey, performance criteria, the process of the survey, and the resulting kinds of printed information available. (Author/MLF)

To realize the ultimate potential of a management information system in a local school district it will be necessary to address problems related to the system's data elements, the compliance mentality of vocational educators, and the lack of local expertise specific to the operation and utilization of these systems. (Author/IRT)

Joseph Weizenbaum (author of the computer program ELIZA) discusses his views about educational computing, pointing out why he is not convinced that children below the tenth grade benefit from the introduction of computers into the curriculum, and why larger educational issues must be addressed. (JN)

Presents a description of the computer simulation model developed by the National Educational Finance Project for use by States in planning and evaluating alternative approaches for State support programs. Provides a general introduction to the model, a program operation overview, a sample run, and some conclusions. (Author/WM)

There are two basic approaches offered in current computerized transportation routing and scheduling programs: the mathematical programming approach and the intuitive optimization approach. Lists questions that an informed buyer should ask of the routing and scheduling company. (MLF)

Describes a computerized integrated data-base management system developed by the Colonial (Pennsylvania) School District, which is capable of extracting and combining data from separate data modules in any combination or form requested by district administrators. (JG)

Points out the advantages and disadvantages of the four ways to design and use a student information system: (1) manual files, (2) use of a computer located in the school building, (3) shared use of a larger computer, and (4) use of a commercial service bureau. (Author/MLF)

When a school system chooses to buy into modern computer technology as the way to solve some existing problems and to meet pressing needs, a myriad of new problems and issues are created. However, the new problems are worth solving to allow the system to benefit from the new technology. In other words, the conversion to using the latest computer…

Describes the development of relational database technology as it applies to educational settings. Discusses some of the new tools and models being implemented in an effort to provide educators with technologically advanced ways of answering questions about education programs and data. (TW)