The behavior of approximately 50 employees learning to use a Los Alamos National Laboratory personnel information system with fixed-format and context-sensitive online help was monitored between October of 1984 and June of 1985. Data was gathered through direct observation during training workshops and during actual use, logging of consulting…

This publication, designed as a supplement to the manual entitled "Managing Programs for Adults" (1983), provides guidelines for establishing or expanding the use of video and computers by administration and staff of adult education programs. The first section presents the use of video technology for program promotion, instruction, and staff…

Recent changes are examined in the organization and functions of offices of planning and institutional research and in the relationship between those offices and the offices in charge of administrative information systems or data processing. Recent changes of this type at the University of Pennsylvania are discussed. Its metamorphosis is compared…

The demand for decision-support systems (DSSs) at the University of Hartford and the use of current software systems based on an information center approach are discussed. It is noted that declining enrollment demand and financial stress in tuition and enrollment-dependent universities requires a flexible and dynamic DSS for effective planning and…

The changing nature of institutional research due to the expanded use and capabilities of information technology was explored through a regional survey of institutional researchers, who indicated their involvement in information systems development. Results were analyzed for all respondents, by type of institution (four-year versus two-year), and…

The Information Processing Planning (IPP) for Pima Community College for 1984-1987 is presented as a menu-driven computer program. First, the process of the development of the IPP is presented, including information on the college's computer task force, its membership, organization, goals, and focuses; on the purchase and upgrading of computer…

The interconnection between personal computers and other personal, mini, or mainframe computer systems is discussed. The following topics relevant to college personnel are addressed: hardware techniques for tying computers together, advantages and disadvantages of available software, the prospects for sophisticated micro/mainframe links with major…

Stanford University's use of a risk assessment methodology to improve the management of systems development projects is discussed. After examining the concepts of hazard, peril, and risk as they relate to the system development process, three ways to assess risk are covered: size, structure, and technology. The overall objective for Stanford…

Washington State University developed a comprehensive supplies inventory system and a generalized billing system with multiple users in mind. The supplies inventory control system developed for Central Stores, a self-sustaining service center that purchases and warehouses office, laboratory, and hardware supplies, was called AIMS, An Inventory…

The implementation and effects of a computerized executive network at the seven colleges in the Maricopa County community college system in the Phoenix metropolitan area are discussed. Two themes are emphasized: the "top-down" strategy, and the significance of office automation. The first system installed was the All-in-One system, which…

Black institutions of higher learning have traditionally been underfunded, and this problem is especially acute today. In view of this, the major objective of this paper is to glean, from a survey of the literature, the various methods of financing that are being used in colleges and universities throughout the country, with the hope that some of…

This book is designed to introduce educators to basic computing concepts, acquaint them with specific educational applications, and bridge the gap between technology in educational practice by interesting them in educational computing. A brief introduction and review of historical perspectives are followed by a description of computer applications…

This paper demonstrates the importance of effective planning when using database application programs in exceptional education programs, to more efficiently track students' performance, keep vital information, and create desired reports. The described approach, called the ends-to-means model, calls for developing the database by designing the…

The report provides evaluation data (1986-87) for the Resource Access Project (RAP) network, a system to facilitate the delivery of handicap services in Head Start programs. The introduction provides background information on the network and summarizes changes in the network during this program year. Changes include budgetary cuts due to the…

Addressed to professionals involved in program evaluation, this working paper covers various aspects of evaluation planning, including the following: planning as a sociotechnical process, steps in evaluation planning, program planning and implementation versus evaluation planning and implementation, the literacy system and its subsystems, and some…