This article outlines an approach for developing and applying computerized decision support systems to the formulation and evaluation of public policy. To meet the challenge of financial resource limitations, new management systems must be developed to improve both governmental efficiency and decision-making effectiveness. (Author/BS)

Reports on the progress of the Duke Language Toolkit, a collection of programs formulated to provide foreign alphabet capabilities on the IBM PC. The Toolkit itself, the interface of the Toolkit to other commonly used software, and the direction of the Toolkit project over the next nine months are discussed. (SED)

Examines the use of "expert systems": computer programs written to solve specialized problems from a particular field. Describes applications of expert systems and possibilities for expert system teaching tools. (CT)

Computer-based management systems offer an efficient means of recording, categorizing, and summarizing data on student discipline. This article furnishes basic information on developing student files, entering data, and generating meaningful reports, such as individual student profiles, date and period frequency, student referral distribution, and…

Discusses shortcomings of a computer program previously described (Electronic Library, April 1985) to create Keyword Out of Context (KWOC) indexes. Program modifications are described which allow indexers to edit terms as the index is being compiled so term consistency is achieved and language conventions are observed. Examples are presented. (MBR)

Explores the potential usefulness of computers for social service practitioners in child welfare, using the "expert systems" model to support the placement planning process. Presents the structure of one experimental consulting program (PLACECON) for child welfare workers. (Author/HOD)

Computer algebra systems are described. Features of such systems and information on MACSYMA, Maple, muMath, REDUCE, and SMP are given. (MNS)

This article presents a compilation of computer resources for elementary and secondary social studies. Included are books, software directories, periodicals, journal articles on classroom applications, selected software with ordering information, and information about on- line data bases. (JDH)

Reviews copyright law and "contributory infringement" as it relates to computer software and possible student and staff violation in colleges and universities. Also discusses possibilities of "breach of contract" and "negligence" in computer software use. Provides a series of recommendations for universities and colleges to protect their…

Examination of methods used by two software review services in evaluating microcomputer courseware--EPIE (Educational Products Information Exchange) and MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers)--found low correlations between their recommendations for 82 programs. This lack of agreement casts doubts on the usefulness of…

Described is a computer program that uses an interesting matrix method to generate Pythagorean triples. Program listings and output for two programs are included. (MNS)

Reported are several attempts to approximate Pi by using a microcomputer to calculate the ratio of the perimeter to the diameter of regular polygons enscribed in a circle. Three computer programs are listed. (MNS)

Provides two computer programs, written in BASIC, to calculate average stock market price levels. The programs allow students to work directly from the raw price data that appear daily in the financial news. Teaching suggestions are provided. (JDH)

Five guidelines for enhancing the value of a computer graphics program are described and illustrated. Using a well-structured program, correct scaling, normalized device coordinates, word coordinates, and illusions are discussed. (MNS)

Microcomputer programs that help students calculate permutations and combinations are developed. Listings of five programs are included. (MNS)