Examines a source of linguistic data--newspapers--and discusses related problems of text-type classification and feature interpretation. Using texts from East Africa as a database, the article assesses the influence of different production contexts on the text composition and analyzes the samples for the multifunctional variable of…

Describes online and CD-ROM databases that contain trademark information and presents guidelines for using these sources to help research and create trademarks. Sidebars present Internet trademark resources, searching tips, additional print and online sources for trademark information, U.S. Federal trademark databases, and online access to…

Proposes a new technique for teaching search strategies on CD-ROM databases, using common novice errors to illustrate basic search techniques. By incorporating examples of search errors, such as use of search terms that are too narrow or broad, or failure to utilize thesaurus terms, database users may more readily comprehend why searches are…

An empirical investigation of information retrieval using the MEDLINE database was carried out to study user behavior, performance and to investigate the reasons for suboptimal searches. Subjects were two groups of final year medical students (novice and expert users of the search system). Findings indicate that just one factor can cause poor…

It is difficult to incorporate long term studies such as ecology into classroom settings. Discusses how to reach and download research center data available on the web. Recommends Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites for downloading and interpreting data. Explains the downloading procedure using a Netscape browser, and uses Excel and Lotus…

Explains desktop metasearch engines, which search the databases of several search engines simultaneously. Reviews two particular versions, the Copernic 2001 Pro and the BullsEye Pro 3, comparing costs, subject categories, display capabilities, and layout for presenting results. (LRW)

A public university developed a comprehensive data file with specifically selected information from students' records in the admissions, registrar's, and student financial aid offices. Data analysis revealed some enrollment trends of first-year, direct-from-high-school applicants related to financial aid variables. (EV)

Presents a model of some of the typical important layers in the design of information systems, and shows how those layers interact in operation. Suggests that these layers are in the way of a cascade of each layer affecting the next. Presents a model of this cascade of interactions in information systems. Provides examples from networked…

This paper reports an exploratory study of questions about English grammar sent in by a group of Hong Kong English-as-a-Second-Language teachers to a teacher support network, "Telenex." The study examines the questions Hong Kong ESL teachers ask about the English language. (Author/JL)

Based on coexistence frequency of pairs of words or phrases, coword analysis is used to discover linkages among subjects in a research field and thus to trace the development of science. This article reviews the development of coword analysis, summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of this method, and discusses several research issues.…

Ten historically black colleges and universities in a Pew Charitable Trusts program share their campus-wide efforts to increase student retention and progression through a program emphasizing ongoing evaluation. Each institution developed evaluation plans, comprehensive databases for monitoring progress, instruments for assessing factors that…

The three basic models of full text are: publisher-supplied; third-party, or aggregator-supplied; and distributed, "linked," in which a bibliographic database provider links to (usually) publisher-supplied full text. This article looks at each model in detail, with particular emphasis on the challenges they face. A clear understanding of…

When-questions are one of the last wh-questions produced by children learning English either as a first language (L1) or as a second language (L2). This article proposes a possible explanation based on internal linguistic factors, which suggest that in a when-question tense is a bound variable. Data collected by the National Center for Bilingual…

Examines four tools that provide access to federal government information: FedWorld, Usgovsearch.com, Google/Unclesam, and GovBot. Compares search features, size of collection, ease of use, and cost or subscription requirements. (LRW)

Discusses fund raising for school-technology projects using the Internet. Lists Web sites where federal government funding sources can be found and sites with more than 130 federal bulletin boards, including the Department of Education's Grants Database and private-sector grant funding in technologies. (GR)