The ability to read print to help maintain independence and quality of life is a primary concern of people with visual impairments. One option for reading is a CCTV (closed-circuit television) or, using a more specific term, electronic magnifier. An electronic magnifier uses a camera to enlarge images onto a screen. The aim of this study was to…

John Bardeen worked on the theory of solids throughout his physics career, winning two Nobel Prizes: the first in 1956 for the invention of the transistor with Walter Brattain and William Shockley; and the second in 1972 for the development with Leon Cooper and J Robert Schrieffer of the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory of superconductivity.…

This action research project report was conducted in order to increase motivation and engagement in elementary and middle school students through technology-supported learning environments. The study was conducted from August 27, 2012, through December 14, 2012 with 116 participating students in first-, fourth-, fifth- and eighth-grade classes. To…

On February 14, 2008, Northern Illinois University was changed when a young man entered a large lecture hall in the center of campus and opened fire. Five students were killed that day, and the shooter died by his own hand. Many were injured physically; many more were emotionally and mentally traumatized. The violence was like a shock wave…

Cell phones have become prevalent on college campuses. Most students use them as their primary phone to avoid changing phone service every year or dealing with university-based long-distance charges. In the wake of recent college shootings and threats of violence on campus, administrators have begun to deploy cell phone solutions to send emergency…

The statistics on vandalism compiled in this report were obtained from a survey of all 717 schools in suburban Cook County and give a broad overview of the extent, frequency, and financial costs incurred as a result of vandalism in the schools. The survey includes information on methods of protection and surveillance such as security personnel,…

Driven by studies showing that Millennials (ages 18-24) have adopted IM (instant messaging) as a standard communications medium, many libraries are reaching out to their own patrons in this way. At the same time, some of these libraries have invested thousands of dollars in vendor-based chat reference solutions that provide duplicate…

In 1980, a study was conducted to determine the current status of word processing (WP) in Illinois in order to suggest ways to improve curricula in Illinois postsecondary schools. The study involved: (1) soliciting and evaluating WP textbooks and course materials from 9 textbook publishers; (2) requesting information from 14 WP manufacturers and…

THE PRESENT TYPES AND AMOUNT OF DATA PROCESSING USED IN ILLINOIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE DISCUSSED. ONLY 66 OF 964 SCHOOL DISTRICTS RESPONDING TO A QUESTIONNAIRE REPORTED USE OF DATA PROCESSING. THESE INCLUDED, HOWEVER, 43 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT. DIFFERENT AREAS IN WHICH DATA PROCESSING TECHNIQUES ARE USED INCLUDE (1) SCHOOL…

Progress on the development of a mathematical model and associated computer programs for use by the Illinois State Library in evaluation and planning of the interlibrary loan (ILL) network is summarized. Pertinent published literature on ILL networks is reviewed in terms of network structure, operations, satisfaction of requests, and costs. A flow…

This newsletter addresses educational reform related to student use of computers and the development of computer networks in Illinois schools. This educational trend is particularly relevant for improving the educational opportunities of rural students. Both the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Planning Coalition for Educational…

This document, which is intended as a guide for work force preparation program providers, details the Illinois occupational skill standards for programs preparing students for employment in occupations in the automotive technician cluster. The document begins with overviews of the Illinois perspective on occupational skill standards and…