Reports on a seminar sponsored by the European Community that presented descriptions of projects involving the use of telecommunications for training and instruction via distance education. Topics discussed include the use of satellites, their cost effectiveness, computer-mediated communication (CMC), and further directions for the Commission of…

The role of evaluation in electric utility demand-side management (DSM) programs is explored, including the importance of evaluation in determining financial incentives that a company will earn for DSM programs. A hypothetical example is presented of the types of problems that might arise when evaluations are subject to litigation. (SLD)

Alternative fuels are becoming increasingly attractive from environmental, energy independence, and economic perspectives. Addresses the following topics: (1) federal and state legislation; (2) alternative fuels and their attributes; (3) practical experience with alternative-fuel vehicles in pupil transportation; and (4) options for school…

Numerous business issues arise when organizing a school recycling program. Important questions include the appropriate program organization, deciding what materials to recycle, the selection of appropriate business partners, and various financial issues. Offers suggestions for achieving a successful recycling program. (MLF)

Cost effectiveness analysis in terms of personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, and overhead was made of two adult basic reading programs: Technology for Literacy Center's tutor-based program and Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS), computer-assisted instruction. Costs per unit of gain in reading skills clearly favored the PALS…

Costs involved in certificate programs are examined in terms of direct expenses, staff, and institutional overhead. The discussion includes the income potential of such programs and start-up and maintenance expenses. (SK)

An Arkansas school district increased student participation in the school lunch program by using top quality food, a large variety of menu items, and a dedicated staff. The district pulled all its secondary schools from the federal lunch program; however, any student could eat free by assisting in the cafeteria for at least 20 minutes. (MLF)

Discusses the benefits and drawbacks of fee-based services offered by tax-supported libraries and describes their rationale, extent, and cost-benefit potential. Research services, video rentals, online searching, and interlibrary loan services are among the fee-based services described. (KRN)

Successful introduction of major new software applications requires worker commitment, inservice training, and communication. Cost justification considers the cost of computer purchase, installation, inservice training, salary, time lost due to "bugs," plus the cost of modifications. (MLF)

Risk transfer is the process of finding an entity to assume the burden of liability. Opportunities for risk transfer agreements for school districts include outside contractors, use of facilities, rental of buildings and equipment, and school trips. Figures show two sample hold-harmless agreements and basic types and levels of coverage. (MLF)

Carroll County Public Schools (Maryland) implemented a computerized telephone employee health insurance enrollment program. The system provides its users with personalized enrollment information prior to the call and sends immediate confirmation letters. Telephone enrollment offers an ideal pairing of available electronic technology to the…

The Comprehensive National Energy Policy Act of 1992 encourages energy-conservation measures and proposes matching federal energy-conservation funds with state programs to achieve energy conservation in public buildings. Presents a sampler of conservation projects in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Florida, and Minnesota. (MLF)

It is critical to analyze every detail of the proposals made by the negotiating teams of both the union and school board. What labor and management decide to include can affect the school districts' financial and decision-making processes for years. (MLF)

The need for uncomplicated and inexpensive language learning materials is noted, and several examples are described: "real items" such as the contents of a drawer; newspapers and magazines; and sets of instructions. Ways to use each in the classroom are discussed. (LB)

Outlines steps for creating educational videodiscs without expensive editing equipment or large production costs by using the Optical Disc Corporation (ODC) technology. Highlights include planning the design; selecting an appropriate videotape format; videotaping the source material; time coding; and adding audio. Authoring systems and ODC…