This article explores the history of digital testing technology. Using an organisation that pioneered the use of international large-scale assessments -- the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) -- I discuss the role of computers, punched cards, answer cards and scanning machines as an example of…

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the history, development, and services of the packet switching network services that currently exist in the United States. The character of packet switching, a computerized method of transmitting data, is used as the basis for tracing the development of the industry itself. Contending that the…

Examines the workings of the existing system of computer data bases for technical and scientific information in the United States and raises questions about developing a public national information network. (JMF)

A mixed media network for information interchange is what we are always likely to have. Amid the current permutations of the storage and distribution media we see the emergence of two trends -- toward the common denominators of electronic display on the TV system and of digital processing and control. The economic implications of a mixed network…

The Museum Computer Network (MCN) was formed to convert all the systematic information in museum files and archives from written to machine-readable form. The principles, practice, membership, computer programs, history, and organization of MCN are described in an introductory article. Following this is a bibliography of reference to MCN and to…

Canada can not afford to have valuable information restricted to a few users or to have it lie dormant and unused. A freer flow of information could reduce duplication and unnecessary research and will expedite innovation. Modern methods of storage, retrieval, and dissemination could be utilized to provide information that is timely, appropriate…

The publication describes the following thirteen computer-based, operational systems designed primarily for the announcement, storage, retrieval and secondary distribution of scientific and technical reports: Defense Documentation Center; Highway Research Board; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; National Library of Medicine; U.S.…

Needs analysis is often ambiguous, leading to five types of misconceptions: (1) information needs can be easily identified; (2) information is best handled in institutional settings; (3) all information is of potentially equal value; (4) given sufficient information, decisions can be made; (5) information and education are unrelated. (Author/JM)

The first two parts of the report describe some attributes of the information process and of various information handling systems. Recommendations to the technical community include: (1) The technical community must recognize that handling of technical information is a worthy and integral part of science; (2) The individual author must accept more…

The academic computing office at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center implemented a campuswide system for information dissemination. The system has since been tied into a worldwide system. The evolution of the system is described, including selection and adoption of procedures, staffing, and development of publishing tools. (MSE)

The results of a one year study to identify potential technology-based improvements in the operation, access, and utilization of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) are described. Both current problem areas and future possibilities are considered with respect to the dichotomy: system components and the total system. Emphasis is on…

This paper describes the first-year results of Distributive Information Systems for Campuses (DISC), a project implemented in the Austin Independent School District (Texas). The goal was to increase the data access and information-generating capabilities of campuses by decentralizing data manipulation functions, while maintaining centralized data…

This document provides an overview of Alaska's Legislative Teleconference Network (LTN), which was created to broaden two-way contact between constituents and state legislators through the use of telephone, teleconferencing, and data communications. An executive summary precedes the main report, which focuses on the two entities of the Legislative…

This collection of 22 papers from the Conference on Information in the Language Sciences held in Warrenton, Va., in 1966, sponsored by the Center for Applied Linguistics, stresses three themes: general trends, information needs of the languages sciences, and system design. Discussions attempt to formulate modern rational approaches to the complex…

Three working seminars resulted in this book which includes edited versions of 25 prepared papers and 12 workshop reports. The seminars identified political, economic, and managerial issues involved in building and operating computer networks on a national basis. There are four parts to the book. Part I contains an introductory chapter framing…