Educational data mining (EDM) is an emerging discipline that focuses on applying data mining tools and techniques to educationally related data. The discipline focuses on analyzing educational data to develop models for improving learning experiences and improving institutional effectiveness. A literature review on educational data mining topics…

The accuracy and reliability aspects of data integrity are discussed, with an emphasis on the need for consistency in responsibility and authority. A variety of ways in which data integrity can be compromised are discussed. The following sources of data corruption are described, and the ease or difficulty of identification and suggested actions…

Discusses important factors to consider before deciding on hardware or software to use in building qualitative databases. Examines using the computer to store and retrieve text, store and retrieve graphics, analyze text, analyze graphic materials, distribute data stored on one machine to others, allow researchers access to data from remote sites,…

This paper reports on the implementation of the first two parts of an integrated data base designed to replace the fragmented surveys and data files of Virginia's institutions of higher education. The two parts being examined involve the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Student Data Base and the Institutional Information…

Describes the creation of an interactive retrieval system for electronic numeric files that was developed at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library. Topics discussed include user characteristics; special data characteristics; quality control; software; hardware; data preparation; database design and construction; interface; subject indexing…

Describes the New York Times Information Bank which indexes 66 journals and newspapers plus the New York Times, and has been called the "ultimate data bank." (PG)

Outlines procedures for the application of data processing technology to media center functions, and explains four steps in designing a database: preliminary design, selection of software, detailed design, and design evaluation. (LRW)

The ability of operating departments of an institution to mechanically gather, summarize, and report "local" data is discussed. Problems are outlined that arise when departments have the ability to produce data and do so with rigorous quality control by the institution's central information management organization. (MLW)

Presents the results of a detailed study of errors in a musical database. Provides an equation for estimating the effect of an overall error-rate on arbitrary analytic measures derived from the database. Examines four methods of error detection: manual proof-reading, double-entry method, programed syntactic checking, and programed heuristics. (GEA)

A description of Data Base, the computerized data processing system used by De Paul University, is provided. Some background information on the school's data processing experiences and its decision to adopt Data Base are first presented, followed by a brief review of the Data Base software selected for use by the University. Fuller details are…

The benefits of prototyping as a basis for system design include better specifications, earlier discovery of omissions and extensions, and the likelihood of salvaging much of the effort expended on the prototype. Risks and methods of prototyping during rapid systems development are also noted. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the general characteristics of database management systems and file systems. Also gives a basic framework for evaluating such software and suggests characteristics that should be considered when buying software for specific scientific applications. A list of vendor addresses for popular database management systems is included. (JN)

Ways in which the National Library of Medicine's online data file of audiovisual instructional materials (AVLINE) can be searched are described. The search approaches were developed with the assistance of data analysts at NLM trained in reference services. AVLINE design, search strategies, and acquisition of the materials are reported. (LBH)

Effective management of movable equipment in a large institutional environment requires a readily accessible database containing accurate up-to-date information. The design and maintenance of an equipment database at the University of Illinois School of Chemical Sciences are discussed. (MLW)

Explores whether plagiarism-detection services such as Turnitin.com, which keeps copies of submitted papers in a database, are trampling students' rights for the sake of academic integrity. (EV)