Increased emphasis on both individualized instruction and distance education along with the cost-effectiveness factor will encourage further educational development with the optical disc technologies. Acceptance of interactive videodisc instructional materials will be a slow process in the public school setting but will eventually have a great…

Critiques the assessment of computer-assisted career guidance systems by Sampson et al. (CE 521 972), stating that the conceptual framework was sound and well developed and criteria were based on recognized experts. Limitations of the study are the assumption of equivalent effectiveness and the use of a checklist for comparing the systems. (SK)

The framework for an ideal computer-assisted career guidance system is a combination of a decision support system and an expert system. Such a system takes into account individual differences in all relevant dimensions and guides the user to the relevant information in the shortest way. (SK)

Finds the feature-cost analysis method (Sampson et al., CE 521 972) a useful tool, but suggests that users need to determine which criteria are most important to them on the basis of a needs assessment. (SK)

Synthesizes critiques of the computer-assisted career guidance system selection guidelines (CE 521 972) in terms of system and feature effects, qualitative features, benefits, and costs. Presents implications for practitioners, researchers, system developers, and policy makers. (SK)

Reviews attempts to find cost effective alternatives to scientific journals, including dissemination of separate articles, selective dissemination of separate articles, synopsis journals, miniprint, microforms, and electronic journals. It is concluded that the traditional journal has not been seriously threatened and that librarians need to take…

Identifies the questions librarians should ask before adopting local online, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM and site database systems. User reactions to local online are discussed and the impact of such systems on reference services and the reference librarian's job content are examined. (CLB)

The campus library is no longer a self-sufficient repository of publications and information. Only well-organized library networks will be able to manage the expanding amounts of information that modern technological systems are already generating. However, collaborative collection development has been slow because it challenges the traditional…

Assessment is one of the most beneficial activities a university can undertake. Assessment proceeds through four stages that are discussed including: readiness, implementation, acceptance, and commitment. (MLW)

Evaluates TRADEMARKSCAN image retrieval using DIALOGLINK communications software. Factors discussed include TRADEMARKSCAN's composition, retrieval methods, file size, downloading and printing time and costs, and database applications. Software requirements and functions relevant to image retrieval are also discussed, and suggestions for…

Only four states (New Jersey, Illinois, New York, and California) have specific physical education requirements for all grades. This article argues for eliminating mandatory physical education programs as a cost-effective means of increasing instructional time and allowing more parental choice in determining their children's academic schedule.…

A demonstration program conducted in 12 New Jersey school districts identified 18 fuel cost-saving opportunities for school bus operation that could save the state an estimated $1.6 million in fuel costs. (MLF)

Discussion of the benefits and limitations of educational video (EV) emphasizes qualities that should be considered at the scriptwriting stage. Topics discussed include the ability to transcend time and space; attention manipulation; special effects, such as graphics and animation; cost benefits; opportunities for independent learning; and lack of…

Discusses the current status of 4 developments that will determine the emergence of generally available multimedia information services: high-bandwidth networks; inexpensive user appliances capable of handling multimedia; adoption of standards for representation, compression, packaging, and transmission; and development of a corpus of multimedia…

An argument is presented for a common core of basics for all students. In addition, national standards are considered within the contexts of a pluralistic society and societal goals. Costs and benefits of adopting national standards are examined in light of the experiences of other countries with centralized educational policies. (IAH)