Examines the advantages and disadvantages of using microcomputers in educational management, for instance in handling financial, personnel, or student data. Draws on a study by the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium, to compare microcomputers to large computers and manual record keeping in school administration. (Author/RW)

Several principles of computerization are offered to help show how computers can improve efficiency. Computer buying guidelines are suggested. (DF)

A mechanism for using personal computer spreadsheet software to generate unique laboratory and problem assignments in optics for each student and provide corresponding solutions that can be checked quickly is described. The method minimizes some students' tendency to inspect others' solutions without solving problems themselves. Another…

This report reviews eight IBM-compatible software packages that are available to secondary schools to teach computer-aided drafting (CAD). Software packages to be considered were selected following reviews of CAD periodicals, computers in education periodicals, advertisements, and recommendations of teachers. The packages were then rated by…

The nutrient profile provided by the Dennison Inventory of Nutritional Experiences (DINE) for microcomputers was compared with two research-oriented mainframe computer systems to evaluate the DINE system's accuracy. Results are discussed. (DF)

A microcomputer was installed in a large state mental retardation facility's Behavior Treatment Program to aid in data storage and analysis. Subjective estimates suggested that habilitative program analysis, review, and change were facilitated by the system. (Author/CL)

A guide to the use of microcomputer statistical analysis packages for loglinear analysis describes the application of one popular package to a straightforward problem and critically surveys features available in four of the leading packages. Survey findings and suggestions for further development are included. (Author/MSE)

This publication acquaints the user with microcomputer statistical packages and offers a method for evaluation based on a set of criteria that can be adapted to the needs of the user. Several popular packages, typical of those available, are reviewed in detail: (1) Abstat, an easy to use command driven package compatible with the IBM PC or the…

The MICRO-CMI system designed at the University of Wisconsin combines the grouping, diagnosis, and prescription functions of two previously designed systems, with the additional dimension of a sheet scanner to input grades and to score tests. Moreover, the user may specify a unique program of studies for each student, thus enabling the support of…

Presents preliminary findings from the "Second National Survey of Instructional Uses of School Computers." Areas explored include how many teachers regularly use computers with students, what subjects computer-using teachers teach, who gets to use school computers (boys or girls), and other areas. (JN)

Examination of the emergence of microcomputer word processing in the library environment highlights library applications, hardware considerations, evaluations of four word processing programs (Apple Writer II, Screen Writer II, Magic Wand, WordStar), and "nonperformance" factors that influence selection of word processing package. Ten…

Describes an in-house project run by students and local school staff studying the feasibility of microcomputers for school management, computer assisted instruction, computer literacy, computer programing, and community services. Hardware tested, rationale for system choice, and hardware problems, are also discussed. (RAO)

This compendium of 44 articles written by leading authorities provides an in-depth and instructive overview of CD ROM (Compact Disk--Read Only Memory) for both the professional and the newcomer to the field. Three articles serve as an introduction to the book: (1) "As We May Think," Vannevar Bush; (2) "Finally It Works--Now It Must…

This article describes some of the factors that will facilitate or retard the use of microcomputers, some of the theoretical problems that will have to be faced, and some of the possible applications of the microcomputer in adult education. (CT)

Grants management staff at the Bureau of Health Professions, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, used existing computer technology and staff expertise to automate several steps in one grant program. Creative use of computers and software resulted in significant time savings, better staff use, and recording of data to improve grants…