Describes a case study approach to teaching database design principles to undergraduate students that is based on a library database. Topics discussed include database management systems, relational models, entity relationship models, many-to-many relationships, normalization, and producing a working database. (three references) (LRW)

Describes the way a relational database management system manages a large historical data collection project. Shows that such databases are practical to construct. States that the programing tasks involved are not for beginners, but the rewards of having data organized are worthwhile. (GG)

Description of HyperCard focuses on uses for instructional designers and performance technologists. The theoretical background that includes cognitive psychology and futuristic thinking is presented, and three main uses of HyperCard are discussed: (1) as a database management program, (2) as a vehicle for implementing hypermedia, and (3) as an…

Discusses factors that should be considered when designing multiple-choice diagnostic tests for use with microcomputer systems. Item content and characteristics are described, presentation of feedback and results are examined, database management functions are discussed, and benefits for students with learning problems and physically disabled…

Describes the development of a menu driven database management program to handle online search statistics reporting requirements for the libraries at the University of California, Los Angeles. Advantages of the program are discussed, including cost effectiveness, autonomy of search service reports, meeting the special needs of individual…

Describes a project at the University of Guelph (Ontario) that combined both bibliographical and archival references in one large machine readable database to facilitate local history research. The description covers research tool creation, planning activities, system design, the database management system used, material selection, record…

Describes study of 9- to 11-year-olds conducted in Great Britain that was designed to analyze the means by which elementary school children familiarized themselves with a large database. Types of error and frequency of occurrence are examined, query formulation is discussed, and the importance of keyboard skills is addressed. (nine references)…

Describes a scheme in the United Kingdom that coordinates geochemistry publications with a computerized geochemistry database. The database comprises not only data published in the journals but also the remainder of the pertinent data set. The discussion covers the database design; collection, storage and retrieval of data; and plans for future…

Describes a teacher support system which is a computer-based workstation that provides support for teachers and administrators by integrating teacher utility programs, instructional management software, administrative packages, and office automation tools. Hardware is described and software components are explained, including database managers,…

Kent State University (Ohio) has focused on developing an organizational culture that expects and promotes quality. A college finance division statement, distributed to division staff, identifies its values and beliefs and emphasizes a culture in which planning, empowerment, and continuous improvement are key elements. (MSE)

The quality assessment process for Australian universities is examined, including its impact on quality improvement, whether judging quality at the institutional level is too coarse a measure to give accurate results, some alternatives, and whether the whole institution approach may lead to greater external interference in institutional affairs.…

Educators' response to the quality assessment and assurance provisions in Estonia's proposed higher education reform law is discussed. It is argued that copying the ready-made standards of Western European countries is not realistic or appropriate. Institutionalized attitudes about vocational education are also examined. (Author/MSE)

A school board member guides a tour of what is available for organizing school executives' schedules. Describes time-planner notebooks, computer software, and various academic and commercial online databases. Sidebars list the programs and products mentioned, discuss online services, and describe using a time-management planner in campaigning for…

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…

Describes the need for universal interoperability among document management applications, services, and repositories, and the document management issues facing information systems managers; outlines how the Document Management Alliance (DMA) proposes to address these issues. Discusses the formation of the DMA by a merger of two groups of vendors…