This paper describes DATASIM, a comprehensive software package which generates simulated data for actual or hypothetical research designs. DATASIM is primarily intended for use in statistics and research methods courses, where it is used to generate "individualized" datasets for students to analyze, and later to correct their answers.…

Focusing on current scholarship in the evolving field of political communication, this publication is organized in three sections. Part 1, "Current Perspectives on the Spiral of Silence," features essays by Charles T. Salmon and F. Gerald Kline, Klaus Merten, Carroll J. Glynn and Jack M. McLeod, and a response by the theory's original…

Already available inexpensive computers with fast printers could significantly reduce the size and complexity of the task of individualizing instruction. A computer-based system could be designed to store and analyze student characteristics, compare relevant factors with instructional objectives, and prescribe learning activities selected from a…

The use of Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS), a type of microcomputer application software, to analyze open-ended survey questions is discussed. Using open-ended questions allows researchers to ask respondents to express themselves freely about their attitudes and beliefs. This approach also can elicit a precise answer even though the…

This report compares the effectiveness of two microcomputer based career guidance systems that are gaining widespread acceptance--the System of Interactive Guidance and Information (SIGI), produced by the Educational Testing Service, and DISCOVER, produced by the American College Testing Program. Both systems are designed to lead the user through…

After examining the impact of changing technology on postsecondary instruction and on the tools needed for instruction, this report analyzes the status and offers recommendations concerning the future of instructional computing at Vancouver Community College (VCC) in British Columbia. Section I focuses on the use of computers in community college…

A microcomputer spreadsheet software package can be used for a variety of tasks to manage a program or research project and to cut costs in evaluation. LOTUS 1 2 3 is a versatile, commonly available, and well-known electronic spreadsheet package. Spreadsheets were originally designed to emulate financial ledgers and balance sheets. They are useful…

The influences of computer technology on college nursing education programs and health care delivery systems are discussed in eight papers. The use of computers is considered, with attention to clinical care, nursing education and continuing education, administration, and research. Attention is also directed to basic computer terminology, computer…

The history and features of Decision Support Systems (DSS) and use of the approach by academic administrators are discussed. The objective of DSS is to involve the manager/decision maker in the decision-analysis process while simultaneously relieving that person of the burden of developing and performing detailed analysis. DSS represents a…

Computer-aided drawing can bring new technology into the drafting classroom. One approach to computer-aided drafting (CAD) involves use of a personal computer and purchased software. Existing school computers could be shared to reduce costs. Following this narrative introduction, a suggested curriculum for the teaching of CAD is presented in…

This publication documents one community college's experience in setting up a "supermarket" guidance system model. Its goals were to maximize the number and kinds of available services, and make them maximally accessible to all students. A commercial design firm was hired to analyze the school's present and future requirements. A computer…

This is a general information document describing the Hertfordshire Computer Managed Mathematics Project funded over a four-year period by the National Development Programme in Computer Assisted Learning. Its aims were to develop a two-year course for all-ability 11-to 13-year-old pupils and to implement a computer system to serve the course. This…

The potential value of the use of television in teacher training in Iran to help fill the gap between the present work force of teachers and the number needed for full enrollment of the nation's children at the elementary and secondary levels is considered. A computer model which has been developed to permit quick and easy assessment of the impact…

Two beginning reading curricula that use computer assisted instruction were developed during 12 years of work at Stanford University. This paper describes those curricula and the motivations, assumptions, procedures, and problems that were involved in their construction. Twelve observations about curricular design and development are summarized to…