This paper describes computer-based optical character recognition (OCR) systems, focusing on their components (the computer, the scanner, the OCR, and the output device); how the systems work; and features to consider in selecting a system. A list of 26 questions to ask to evaluate systems for potential purchase is included. (JDD)

This article discusses technology available in Sweden for visually impaired and deaf-blind people. It describes systems for stop announcements on buses and trams, queuing systems in shops and banks, text telephones, synthetic speech or braille displays of newspapers and other information sources, and home computers. Ideas for the future are also…

Describes Web-site resources for children's literature. Discusses sites that provide users with information for matching books with readers; children's literature listservs; and sites with ideas for enhancing the curriculum with literature activities. Demonstrates how children's books and Web sites can be used together in the classroom. (AEF)

At a large university, faculty ratings in five academic areas were collected from two groups of students using paper-and-pencil or electronic survey administration. The two modes yielded similar factor patterns, with ratings influenced by academic area but not survey method. Students felt more anonymous using the paper-and-pencil method;…

Colleges competing to offer distance education are using aggressive marketing tactics to gain visibility. Some observers wonder whether educational interests or marketing agencies are driving the trend. The agencies offer varied services, including course creation, course conversion to electronic format, faculty training for online teaching,…

Describes implementation of a computerized version of the Child Welfare League of America's Child Well-Being Scales by a family services agency in southern Ontario. Reviews results obtained from 172 families to illustrate the potential for using computerized risk assessment as an aid in clinical, supervisory, and management decision-making…

Increasingly, college and university alumni associations are providing confidential online career services, including access to job listings, opportunities for resume postings, direct access to quality applicants, and bypass conventional advertising and expensive headhunters. For alumni, they expand job networking opportunities and facilitate the…

Describes a new model for quantitatively assessing screen formats. Results of applying the model to data entry screens support the use of the model. Also described is a critiquing mechanism embedded in a user interface design environment as a demonstration of this approach. (Author/AEF)

Addresses the future of library automation programs for schools. Discusses requirements of emerging OPACs and circulation systems; the Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF), an industry initiatives to develop an open specification for ensuring that K-12 instructional and administrative software applications work together more effectively; home…

The Organized Career Orientation Course was written to help Bahraini secondary school leavers prepare for the job market by equipping them with relevant language skills such as note taking and report writing. The strong point of the course is the multi-media input and the fact that it is student-centered. Two learning methods were piloted. Results…

PLATO Learning, Inc., a developer of computer-based instruction, recently released "Math Problem Solving." This product was designed to teach strategies for solving math problems, and consists of 19 problem-solving activities, ranging from basic math to algebra. Each activity includes tools to help find a solution and rule-based coaching to…

Discusses a typology that can be used to guide educators in selection of cyberspace tools to accomplish specific tasks. The typology consists of four main divisions of properties: number of people communicating; real-time communications; permanency of communications; and automatic delivery to audience. These four divisions result in 16 possible…

Web-based assessment and testing systems provide a valuable new tool to the education research community: a tool that combines the ability of multiple choice diagnostic tests to handle large numbers of subjects with some of the greater flexibility and additional information that other methods offer. This article discusses the strengths and…

An academic librarian at the University of South Carolina, faced with providing online resources for distant and distributed learners, examines whether there is any difference between distant and distributed learners. Illustrates changes brought on by implementation of information technologies. Discusses seeking a new definition, meeting…

Examines the state of teacher education and new initiatives for preparing technology-proficient teachers. Three sidebars present new teachers' words on the role of technology in teacher training; a description of three colleges of education that are leading the way; and results of "Technology & Learning" survey of schools of teacher…