Review of the limited research on the economics of secondary school size in Australia suggests that while large schools have cost and curriculum advantages over small schools, the advantages decrease as school size increases and are influenced by school system, curriculum requirements, and staffing policies. Some evidence supports the theory that…

Describes a cooperative program that uses low-cost communication technology and distance education to give inservice teachers access to information on teaching practices, and to provide a vehicle for improving the quality of teacher preparation and educational programs. Discusses choosing appropriate technology for distance education and…

Developed for poor students in England during the 19th century, the Lancaster system was cost effective and was based on the "monitorial" concept giving students responsibility for their learning and emphasizing entrepreneurship. In 1805, the Lancaster system came to the United States, but it quickly ended when it came under state…

Several experts in the field of college financial administration offer their insights into the emerging relationship between high technology and financial management, focusing on the role of the institution's chief business officer. Topics include efficiency, cost effectiveness, organizational communication, homegrown vs. packaged software…

Describes consumer or business-oriented online services that provide access to current news information and offers a less expensive alternative to standard online databases. Online clipping services are discussed, their costs are examined, and profiles of five services are compared: CompuServe, CompuServe as a gateway to IQuest, DELPHI, DIALCOM,…

Discussion of the educational problems facing South Africa focuses on the possible uses of educational technology, particularly radio, for teacher education. The role education plays in a nation's growth and development is discussed; the use of available resources is considered; and the use of interactive radio instruction is described. (five…

A study of a team-building workshop demonstrates that all four levels of Donald Kirkpatrick's classic evaluation model could be applied to soft skills training. Results show that such training can be tied to productivity measures and evaluated as a return on investment. (JOW)

A series of benefit programs for school personnel in a Maryland county includes a smoke-free workplace, an employee wellness program, and an employee assistance program. The county has been able to correlate a dramatic decrease in the cost of health insurance for employees with the activities of these programs. (MLF)

This speech addresses the need for institutions of higher education to develop economic models to assist in the management of academic information systems (including both print and computerized systems) in light of restricted economic resources. Steps in development of a comprehensive model of information costs are outlined. (DB)

Current practices of most state vocational rehabilitation programs concerning the use and reporting of benefit-cost results are reviewed, and problematic issues are identified. Empirical data from Minnesota illustrate alternative ways of reporting evaluation results relating to efficiency. The recommended accounting framework provides relevant and…

Three strategic effects on the rates of return to vocational and technical education (VOTEC) are considered: (1) the availability of complementary inputs such as general education; (2) the capacity of VOTEC to teach continuing adaptation to technical change; and (3) economies of scale that can be realized. (26 references) (MLF)

Techniques for more cost-effective college alumni chapter administration include better marketing and communications, regionally tailored periodicals, planning ahead, coordinating spring volunteer training with admissions travel, encouraging faculty participation, using mentors for program development, letting chapters pay expenses, and better use…

Process and impact evaluations are compared, and a framework is provided to determine the nature and potential variability of the costs associated with each technical step of each type of evaluation. Recommendations to help in the choice of evaluation option are provided. (SLD)

Considers comparative prices for bibliographic data on CD-ROM and in print. Topics addressed include differences in the nature of bibliographic data in the two media, the relative complexities of pricing structure, varying policies on network pricing, and standardization of the licensing arrangement. (KRN)

Describes educational technology franchises that sell services to students, either through schools or directly through retail centers, to educate them about and with technology. Topics addressed include the emphasis on personalized instruction; cooperative learning; curriculum; cost effectiveness; site-based management in public education; and…