Data mining hinges on one reality about life on the Web: What you do there leaves behind a trail of digital bread crumbs. Companies scoop them up to tailor services, like the matchmaking of eHarmony or the book recommendations of Amazon. Now colleges, eager to get students out the door more efficiently, are awakening to the opportunities of…

Computers and synthesizers are being used to create new sounds that cannot be played on traditional instruments. Computers and instructional software are also helping to teach students to compose music, to analyze scores, to read music, and to do ear training drills. (MLW)

The Math Emporium at Virginia Tech provides basic computer-assisted mathematics instruction for undergraduates, producing higher grades as well as accolades from technology advocates. However, a lack of commercial mathematics software and the high costs of computer installation, support, and maintenance threaten continuation of the program. (DB)