Five major considerations to be addressed by college development programs before upgrading a computer system include: (1) evaluating functions of the current system; (2) assessing system capabilities needed; (3) discovering what users need; (4) deciding whether to patch an older system, build a new one in house, or buy it complete; and (5)…

This article reviews issues to be considered in the selection and monitoring of direct-input personal Frequency Modulation (FM) systems for individuals with hearing impairments. The article discusses boot configurations, signal options, ordering issues, and maintenance issues. (Author/JDD)

Because parents' expectations for cochlear implants in children with deafness are sometimes unreasonably high, cochlear implant teams need to be aware of the dynamics involved in expectations and of ways to help parents come to a realistic understanding of the benefits and limitations of implants. Expectations can be clarified through education,…

The communication skills of 13 youth with moderate or severe mental retardation were compared while they communicated with a "standard partner" with and without access to their augmented communication devices. With the devices, subjects communicated more information, more clearly, and more specifically than without the devices. (DB)

Parks and recreation professionals must recognize potential hazards in playground design, installation, and maintenance. Current safety risks are from older equipment that does not comply with modern standards and has not been safety inspected. The National Playground Safety Institute's certification program is an important step toward reliable…

This chapter describes the different types of paper and electronic surveys currently available and their costs and benefits in terms of equipment and printing costs, demands on staff time, and ease of use.

This paper addresses considerations inherent in the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) decision-making process which are important for teachers and related services personnel who participate on Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams for students with disabilities. Specific dimensions discussed include characteristics of the…

This monograph, intended for Maine educators, presents basic information in question-and-answer format on assistive technology devices and services and the role of assistive technology in delivering appropriate education to children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Questions address the following topics: definitions;…

Graphical methods for displaying data, as well as available computer software and hardware, are reviewed. The authors have emphasized the types of graphs which are most relevant to the needs of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and its readers. The following types of graphs are described: tabulations, stem-and-leaf displays,…

Aspects of interactive video use in the second language classroom are examined. The major components and equipment considerations for an interactive videodisk and computer system are outlined, including factors in the choice of a system interface. The use and control of interactive video for accessing scenes to be played are described, and…

This report presents information from phase I of a survey designed to develop quantitative indicators of the current national stock, cost/investment, condition, obsolescence, utilization, and need for major research instruments in academic settings. Data for phase I (which focused on the physical and computer sciences and engineering) were…

Prepared under contract with the International Council on Archives, this study will assist archivists in the development of an essential component of the basic archival infrastructure, a document reprographic service. Written with the problems of developing countries in mind, it will provide archivists, especially those concerned with planning,…

This study describes the design and implementation of the Automated Library Information System (ALIS) as the pilot project for the Dallas County Community College District's Automated Information Resources System (AIRS). The focus of the report is the online circulation subsystem of ALIS, which was implemented in September 1977 as phase one of…

The guide, one in a series of committee reports relating to school band performance, organization, and equipment needs, discusses acoustical problems inherent to the clarinet. The report is presented in five sections. Section I summarizes findings of an American School Band Directors' Association (ASBDA) clarinet testing committee. A major finding…

A study was made of the equipment used in different types of food service establishments to aid in the selection of equipment for food service classroom instruction. Food service instruction prepares students for food service positions, thus the equipment installed should be similar to that found in North Dakota food service establishments.…