Digital projectors are becoming a common sight in U.S. schools. A projector can serve many roles, from letting teachers give tours of educational Web sites to having students present their projects to the entire class. With this trend come questions: Which projection technology is the most cost-effective? Which requires the least maintenance? How…

Details features of washer-extractors and dryers and important considerations when making purchasing decisions. Explores the core decision of soft-mount versus hard-mount machines. (EV)

Safety, durability, and maintenance costs should be considered when purchasing playground equipment. Other factors that affect equipment choice are the ages of the children using the playground, whether the playground will double as a public park, and whether the equipment is expandable. (MLF)

Outlines ten factors to consider before buying a scanner: size of document; type of document; color; speed and volume; resolution; image enhancement; image compression; optical character recognition; scanning subsystem; and the option to use a commercial bureau service. The importance of careful analysis of requirements is emphasized. (AEF)

Guidelines presented to help recreation professional choose effective, safe lighting systems involve determining how much light is needed, buying the best life cycle value, light sources, and other lighting design considerations. (CB)

Criteria for selecting administrative computer hardware are provided. (MCG)

People today demand a safer work environment and a safer play environment for children. Accidents such as broken arms are no longer accepted as an inevitable part of growing up. This paper presents recommendations for the maintenance of safe playground areas and equipment, covering three main areas: (1) inspections, which should follow a specified…

This guide for educational practitioners who are considering the purchase of a microcomputer provides a brief discussion of basic information about computers, some criteria to use in conducting a needs assessment prior to the purchase of any microcomputer equipment, and criteria for use in the evaluation of various microcomputers in relation to…

The two papers focus on methods of selecting toys for handicapped children and options in playground equipment for this population. The qualities of a good toy, such as stimulation and safety, are examined. The author discusses various considerations in selecting toys for different handicaps; for example, toys for visually impaired children should…

Independent laboratories have tested insulating aluminum glass framing systems, and several manufacturers have recently published test results for their systems. (Author)

Describes electrical power problems that affect computer users, including spikes, sags, outages, noise, frequency variations, and static electricity. Ways in which these problems may be diagnosed and cured are discussed. Sidebars consider transformers; power distribution units; surge currents/linear and non-linear loads; and sizing the power…

Examines the planning process to identify equipment or systems within an educational facility that could be Y2K sensitive. Discusses developing a contingency plan to prevent operational shutdown. Concluding comments describe a simple Y2K equipment-testing procedure. (GR)

Factors in selection of communication aids for disabled children are noted (selection speed, number of selections required, amount of information retrieved), and components of communication aids are reviewed (selection technique, processing, and outputs). (CL)

Presents an evaluation form that library media specialists, teachers, and students can use to rate their school library media center. (WD)

Discusses ways that educational institutions can develop and manage a realistic media equipment budget. (FL)