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…

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…

Because there is little theoretical background to explain the process of adopting computers for instruction in postsecondary institutions, this paper reviews the literature on this process from the perspective of technological innovation. Technological innovation is defined as the use of tools and techniques which extend human capability and which…

As part of an ongoing effort to understand the processes people employ in reading technical material and the ways in which computer based job aids can assist people in doing complex tasks, a study was conducted to determine how subjects engaged in an assembly task use a detailed and hierarchically organized information structure (Hypertext) to…

A study of the libraries cooperating in the Fox Valley (Wisconsin) Interlibrary Loan Network compared alternative equipment and communications scenarios which would satisfy the functions desired by the libraries. The dominant communications need identified through a survey of network participants was the sending of interlibrary loan requests among…

Market Data Retrieval (MDR) maintains a data base covering all United States schools, colleges, and public libraries. A recently completed MDR survey of 15,314 U.S. school districts has determined that 24,642 public schools now use computers in instruction, a 56.2 percent increase over the number of schools using instructional computing when a…

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…