A study of three Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) traced development of the skills element of their RES [Regional Economic Strategy] and their progress toward an action plan for skills to implement their strategic objectives. The process involved creating a forum on skills; producing a consultation draft skills strategy; and producing a final…

As part of its contract to develop a framework for continuous school improvement in its four-state region (Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia), Appalachia Educational Laboratory staff designed the Quest project. Based upon principles of inquiry, collaboration, and action research, Quest supports and investigates ongoing school…

This paper discusses changes in services, technology, and organization as libraries prepare to enter the "network-centric library world." Part 1 addresses the transition from the analog era to the digital age, and the convergence of libraries and education, including opportunities for library leadership in Internet access, digital…

This document consists of 12 issues of the "EDUTECH Report." The newsletter's purpose is to alert faculty and administrators to issues in educational technology. Each issue contains two feature articles, a page of news briefs, and a question and answer column. Issues also contain brief quotations on education technology topics. The…

As K-12 schools connect to the Internet, a new method of communication opens up to educators and their students. This ERIC Digest describes some sample services and resources that are available to the K-12 community by electronic mail over the Internet (resources and addresses are subject to change). Question answering services, electronic…

The scope of this project included end-user computing devices, network servers, local area network hardware, and the labor costs associated with each of these components. Software, application service providers, content and curriculum development, and staff developmental training were included as well. The case study is composed of five sections.…

Needs analysis is often ambiguous, leading to five types of misconceptions: (1) information needs can be easily identified; (2) information is best handled in institutional settings; (3) all information is of potentially equal value; (4) given sufficient information, decisions can be made; (5) information and education are unrelated. (Author/JM)

Explores marginal costs involved in decentralization of academic libraries by analyzing labor and material costs of a branch library (Library School Library, University of California, Berkeley) and discussing cost to users and universities. Benefits of a branch library are summarized based on survey done among 40 users. References are provided.…

Discusses technological research efforts by the Research and Development Department of the British Library in the areas of videotex, videodisc, and teleconferencing, noting the videotex service known as Prestel and the department's network project, called BLEND (Birmingham and Loughborough Electronic Network Development). (EJS)

Examines the changes that occur in the social networks and activities of individuals as a result of divorce. An integrative review of the available research concerning the social situation of divorced persons, five metapolicy guidelines, and examples of policy implementations relating to divorced persons are presented. (JAC)

Major Project on Education in Latin America and Caribbean promotes cooperation among countries to organize educational information systems and services. Specific objectives are to ensure that children of school age receive schooling, to eradicate illiteracy and develop educational services for adults, and to improve quality and efficiency of…

Describes several cases in which microcomputers were used to prevent large organizations (e.g., utility companies, U.S. Government Forestry Commission) from carrying out actions considered not to be in the public's best interests. The use of the computers by social activitists in their efforts to halt environmental destruction is discussed. (EAO)

The limitations of microcomputers, their potential uses on college campuses, and what should be considered when purchasing them are discussed. Specific uses of microcomputer networks, including one at Kansas City Kansas Community College, are outlined. (Author/MLW)

Outline of the operation and services of the Data Library in the University of Florida Libraries includes a brief history, administration of the library system, development of collection of machine-readable data files, data users, technical services, reference services, funding, and staff recruitment, training, and development. Four references are…