Highlighting the issues that confront small libraries who are exploring automation options, this report focuses on microcomputer-based automation systems for circulation and an online patron access catalog (OPAC). The information provided outlines some of the questions that librarians must ask themselves or vendors before they select a specific…

This curriculum consists of a one-week course of study designed to introduce students in grades 9-12 to (or increase their awareness of) toxic substances commonly found in the home. It includes an introduction/conceptual framework, five lessons, a unit test, and appendices. Each lesson consists of a statement of purpose, objectives, list of…

Local area networks (LAN) are privately owned communication systems that connect multivendor devices at high speed. As microcomputers become more common in schools, user interest in sharing information, software, and peripherals will increase. A basic understanding of the operation of all LAN's can be gained by knowing four elements: media,…

This unit provides high school students with criteria for deciding to buy a new or used car and selecting a reputable dealer. It is divided into three sections. In the first section students analyze uses and identify car sizes, options, and appearances that are important. The second section describes advantages and disadvantages of new and used…

A practical solution to many of the communication obstacles found in international markets can be found in the development and widespread adoption of a standardized system of international graphic symbols. Any plan to develop and implement a truly acceptable and universal system of graphic symbols will have to overcome many obstacles that past…

Summaries of research and production activities for "Sesame Street" and "The Electric Company" are provided in this quarterly report, as well as information on the Children's Television Workshop's community education services, public affairs, personnel, and merchandise products. A table indicating foreign countries in which…

To help students understand consumer concepts, the guide suggests ways of using general merchandise catalogs and other community resources in the classroom. Specifically, the guide aims toward raising living standards by making consumer education part of daily life and preparing young people for economic choices. The document is presented in six…

The United States Office of Education (USOE) in 1973 commissioned the creation of Project Information Packages (PIPs) that could fulfill USOE's aims for a cost-effective mechanism for disseminating exemplary programs beyond their developers to school districts with less successful compensatory educational projects. Three volumes report the first…

This report describes seven new national curriculum development programs that were featured in workshops at the 1973 convention of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Although most of the programs deal with the physical and social sciences, the programs stress a multidisciplinary approach. Four of the programs are intended for…

Explains philosophy of the Higher Order Thinking Skills Project, which utilizes microcomputers in a learning laboratory to develop in upper elementary school students the thinking ability needed to construct sophisticated associations between ideas; describes curriculum used to teach these skills; and reviews software and hardware utilized and…

Continues the discussion of the Association of School Business Officials' 1987 member survey on automation, citing computer applications in use by enrollment size. Only the number of applications in wide use increases with enrollment size. A rough measure of satisfaction with software vendors highlights two companies. (MLF)

Reviews database management software options for academic applications of pedagogy and research offering practical suggestions on choosing software. Software reviewed includes dBase III, Reflex, FYI 3000, Notebook II, AskSAM, Electra-Find, and Practicase. Program advantages, disadvantages, features, flexibility, and costs are discussed. A…

Provides information on CD-ROM resources about animals, which can help teachers decide which products best fit their educational objectives and the interests and needs of students. Highlights include quantity and quality, grade or age appropriateness, and curriculum connections. A table provides detailed information on six products. (AEF)

Institutions spend millions of dollars on computer training rooms yet give little thought to lighting, temperature, ambient noise, furniture arrangement, and other physical factors that affect learning. This article examines some problems and suggests remedies: changing furniture, controlling monitors, and redesigning rooms. Lists selected…

Examines decisions schools are faced with in terms of electronic reference materials selection. Discusses CD-ROM versus online technology; choosing the "suite" of software; blending equipment creatively; and costs. A chart highlighting prices, scope/coverage, and strengths for various vendors' databases is included. (AEF)