The Cooperative Extension Service faces the challenge of helping United States farmers and ranchers use microcomputers in managing their farms. Farm management extension education programs are delivered to farmers and ranchers through such activities as (1) local meetings and workshops organized by county agents and producer advisory groups, (2)…

This document contains six lessons for a class on using computer spreadsheets. Each lesson contains an objective, terminology, and directions for step-by-step completion of the lesson activites. Worksheets are included for teachers to replicate and hand out or to use as overhead transparencies. The lessons cover the following concepts:…

A study was conducted to determine microcomputer hardware, software, and inservice components of secondary marketing education programs. A questionnaire was developed and sent to 420 teacher-coordinators in 42 states. A total of 225 (54 percent) usable returns were tabulated at the University of Wisconsin-Stout Computer Center. Results of the…

The central mission of the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NOICC) and its network of State Occupational Information Coordinating Committees (SOICCs) is to help states develop and implement an occupational information system (OIS). NOICC supports the use of existing sources of data for the OIS and has worked with the…

The major goal of a program was to improve the use of microcomputers in the management of New York State's adult basic education programs. Subgoals were optimizing the use of available microcomputer facilities, aiding the largest number of programs permitted by project funds, serving the particular needs of individual programs, and maximizing the…

This paper describes a computer support system that eliminated many of the problems associated with the usual methods of transcribing and analyzing questionnaire data. The system was created to support the course evaluation system at Athabasca University, a distance education university in Canada. The courses evaluated were all home study courses,…

Founded in 1969, the Migrant Student Record Transfer System (MSRTS) is a nationwide computerized information network which records, maintains, and rapidly transfers educational and health information on more than 750,000 identified migrant children in 29 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, the…

Described is the notion of multiple alternative representations of mathematical reasoning, particularly as they relate to algebraic notation and the potential of computers to change representations. Features of a desirable notation for algebraic problem solving are described. This is followed by a description of the RAND Corporation's intelligent…

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…

In exploring the impact of microcomputers and the future of the university in 1985 and beyond, a distinction should be made between computing literacy--the ability to use a computer--and computer literacy, which goes beyond successful computer use to include knowing how to program in various computer languages and understanding what goes on…

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…