Describes a computer-assisted testing system which produces multiple-choice examinations for a college course in business administration. The system uses SPIRES (Stanford Public Information REtrieval System) to manage a database of questions and related data, mark-sense cards for machine grading tests, and ACL (6) (Audit Command Language) to…

Discusses the need for alternate delivery systems in continuing medical education (CME), the benefits of using computers to deliver CME, and ways to increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of computer based education. Current and future applications of computer techniques to CME are also examined. (Author/MER)

Describes a development in computer technology called database management, presented in a model for student development. Although the type and amount of information for the database is flexible, suggests it provides an opportunity to apply existing educational principles on a wider basis to more students. (Author)

Presents the background, database, user instructions, design criteria, hardware, and commands of the online catalog system at the University of New Brunswick (Canada) library, as well as self-instructional features of the system. Evaluation of systems use and potential applications are discussed, and sample displays are provided. (RBF)

Using data from the ten-year-old Data Bank of the National Catholic Educational Association, the author points out some trends in America's Catholic schools: enrollment stabilization, shifts from religious to lay teachers, increasing minority enrollments, and increasing operating expenses. (SJL)

Cites major U.S. encyclopedia publishers interested in developing machine-readable versions and suggests design possibilities for accessing encyclopedia databases. Full text searching, searching by fields, and sorting on fields are presented as techniques that provide online systems with significant advantages over print. There are five…

A well-designed database, carefully defined procedures, and consultation with legal counsel can greatly reduce the prospect of costly litigation associated with retrenchment. Tenure contracts, case law on financial exigency, due process, and liability are discussed. (Author/LB)

The findings of a CAUSE survey of institutions of higher education that are either currently using or have used a database management system are presented. In addition to demographic information, other issues addressed are: management implications, systems concepts, systems development, personnel, operational considerations and prospects for the…

The academic transcript system at the University of Calgary, a successful application that combines online and batch processing to generate student transcripts, is described. In addition to improved service to students and alumni, the registrar's operating budget has been reduced and productivity has increased. (Author/MLW)

Considers several systems automating local departmental-based data facilities. Describes design and implementation of a simple system. Concludes by reflecting on changes needed in the system. (Author/CK)

Provides a description and preliminary evaluation of the CyberDoc program at the MCP-Hanhemann School of Medicine of the Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (Pennsylvania). The program allows faculty to track students' progress at off-site clerkships and allowed students to access a variety of databases, electronic mail, and other…

Discusses the recruiting process for paraprofessional catalogers (job description, qualifications, interview) and outlines a training program in copy cataloging techniques. Includes a sample job description, a list of general competencies for entry-level paraprofessional catalogers, and a bibliography of basic tools (general cataloging,…

Describes the results of a survey conducted at the University of Illinois at Chicago that compared faculty use of, preferences for, and satisfaction with two software interfaces for the locally loaded ERIC database. Use of other local online databases was also examined. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the use of CD-ROM databases focuses on a study conducted at Russell Sage College (New York) that examined user attitudes toward CD-ROM technology and shifts in journal usage patterns. Highlights include previous studies, comparisons of print indexes and CD-ROM databases, and suggestions for future research. (LRW)

Describes the origin and reason for a survey conducted by questionnaire of pedagogical software use in Italian as a foreign language; analyzes each of the aspects surveyed; and ends with an overview of the current situation, including suggestions for the future. Describes projects respondents have developed or are developing. Findings reveal that…