Describes some procedures designed to assist instructors in developing a research component using the computer. Benefits include development of research skills, kindling student interest in the field of political science, and recruitment potential. (Author/CK)

Word processing and data processing share a working relationship in a total information system, the technology for which is currently available. The article discusses word processing hardware, principally minicomputers, and personnel requirements, with implications for office occupations education. (MF)

Several ways for a comptuer services director to effectively manage the resources available for such services are discussed. Case histories from Miami-Dade Community College and other South Florida schools are included. (SF)

Despite the recent increased importance of other fund-raising devices, direct mail still remains an effective basic component of annual fund campaigns. Direct mail product, planning and designing direct mail, writing model letters, handling mail, direct mail effectiveness, and new annual fund are described. (Author/MLW)

The feasibility of replacing existing central processing units with a single computer facility is discussed. An analysis of the computing facilities for the Iowa state universities is presented and supports the retention of decentralized facilities. Efficiency, costs, and operating considerations are examined. (SF)

Discusses the growing importance of machine readable data files (MRDFs) as library reference tools, and describes the policies and services for MRDFs developed at the University of Florida libraries. Guidelines to selecting, acquiring, and planning for MRDFs are appended, along with examples of ERIC records for MRDFs. (four references) (CLB)

Investigates memory storage and molecular nature of associative-memory formation by analyzing Pavlovian conditioning in marine snails and rabbits. Presented is the design of a computer-based memory system (neural networks) using the rules acquired in the investigation. Reports that the artificial network recognized patterns well. (YP)

School districts need a strategic, comprehensive, electronic data processing resources plan that would include the following major elements: (1) systems; (2) hardware; (3) software; (4) staffing; (5) control; and (6) projected budgets. (MLF)

The University of Rochester's experience with online analytical processing (OLAP), part of its executive information system, is reported. The server, a multiuser, local area network (LAN)-based database loaded from legacy systems or a data warehouse, can rapidly manipulate and display data, and allows quick creation and changing of analytical…

Discusses similarities and differences between knowledge acquisition in expert systems and requirement acquisition in others kinds of information systems (particularly decision support systems). Examines role-limiting methods for automated knowledge acquisition and their integration from the problem-solving perspective. Suggests a feasibility…

Advocates an approach to teaching environmentally related studies based on constructivism. Presents an activity that makes use of data on chemicals in the water supply, and discusses obtaining and using data sets in the classroom. (LZ)

Discusses techniques for managing documents in wide area networks, reviews technique limitations, and offers recommendations to database designers. Presented techniques include: increasing bandwidth, reducing data traffic, synchronizing documentation, partial synchronization, audit trials, navigation, and distribution control and security. Two…

Discussion of the interrelationship of information technology, managers, and users, and the structure of public sector organizations focuses on a case study that examined the organizational changes in the information services department of a large, urban county government as a result of the use of sophisticated information technologies. (11…

The Advanced Computing/Management Training Program at Jordan Technical Center (Sandy, Utah) simulates an automated office to teach five sets of skills: computer architecture and operating systems, word processing, data processing, communications skills, and management principles. (SK)

Many teachers have found that, no matter how enjoyable ecological studies are, students tend to dislike the computation of the large amounts of data gathered. Included is a description of an experiment that utilized time-saving features as well as the instructional and motivational benefits of using a computer spreadsheet program to analyze and…