The general feeling is that no predictions can be made based on agent-based social simulations. The outcomes of social simulations are based on the behaviors of individuals and their interactions. Behavioral models are always incomplete and often, also incorrect with respect to real behavior and thus the outcomes of agent-based social simulations…

The rapid evolution of today's video games now fills arcades, snack bars, and homes with an array of highly interactive, graphically vivid technical devices. This electronic environment is creating a worldwide communication network. Developments in this area will be beneficial provided that appropriate media policies can be framed. (Author/JN)

The evolution of school policy concerning computer use in Victoria (Australia) state secondary schools is reviewed. Computer technology is conceptualized as a social phenomenon. Discussed are the origins of microcomputing as a hobby, early uses of school microcomputing in Victoria, teacher organizations concerned with computer use, national policy…

The Management and Planning System (MAPS), designed to provide a computer-based information storage and retrieval system to aid school board decision makers, is described. (DB)

To enable decision makers to become more aware of the levels of confidence that can be placed in the results of particular computerized decision models, methods for establishing confidence levels are discussed. The U.S. General Accounting Office has developed criteria and review procedures for evaluating computerized policy analysis models.…

This report explores the use of policy analysis as a tool for setting computer use policy in a school district by discussing the steps in the policy formation and implementation processes and outlining how policy analysis methods can contribute to the creation of effective policy. Factors related to the adoption and implementation of innovations…

Reasons behind the trend by health professional schools to use computers for storing, sorting, and retrieving student data are discussed. Methods are suggested to ensure that the data system will meet administrative and evaluative needs and be financially viable. (Author/GK)

Discusses issues related to the High Performance Computing and Communication program and National Research and Education Network (NREN) established by the High Performance Computing Act of 1991, including program management, specific program development, affecting policy decisions, access to the NREN, the Department of Education role, and…

This book surveys current commitment to computers in education in many countries, with emphasis on use in Australia. For discussion of computer-related programs, countries other than Australia are categorized as (1) under-developed and uncertain--China, Thailand, and Yugoslavia; (2) developed but reluctant--Japan, Germany, and Sweden; and (3)…

Based on a case study of a large northwestern suburban school district's initial attempts to establish policy for school use of computers, this report addresses such general questions as how school districts develop policies for instructional and administrative uses of computers, how school policy formation committees function, and how their…

The System for Trenton's Educational Planning (STEP), a set of procedures for strategic planning, is described. The background to the project and the desired goals which led to STEP are reviewed, and the major components of the annual planning cycle, including assessment, base case planning, policy formulation, project design, simulation of…

The process of examining and reorganizing the computing system throughout the university is outlined, including decisions about hardware, policy for future computer use, information requirements, and provisions or policy formation. The structure and responsibilities of the Administrative Systems Committee are described. (MSE)

Five articles discuss options in European distance education, including setting up a satellite network, using a pan-European delivery system, computer conferencing, distance education as an element of policy, and an international networking project. (MSE)

The increase in computer facilities, applications, and access on college campuses raises concerns about information and resource management. In developing an information policy, Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) addressed a variety of issues, including legal liability, censorship, resource management, ownership of information, user responsibility,…