Examines why so many people have trouble understanding and accessing online systems, using the ERIC Silver Platter CD-ROM as an example. All online systems require users to know the proper procedures (protocols) to access information; these differ from product to product and change constantly. Users should know a particular database's scope and…

The first part of the annual automation marketplace survey examines minicomputer systems in libraries. Highlights include vendor consolidation and acquisitions; system interconnection; networked databases; products related to the Americans with Disabilities Act; multimedia; vendor installations worldwide; academic versus public library…

Discusses the role librarians can take in the international transfer of information. Topics discussed include the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), preservation of materials, international networks and information services, international telecommunications, international librarian exchanges, and…

Presents factors involved in designing a microcomputer facility, including how computers will be used in the instructional program; educational specifications; planning committees; user input; quality of purchases; visual supervision considerations; location; workstation design; turnkey systems; electrical requirements; local area networks;…

Provides an overview of CD-ROM networking technology in libraries. Six systems currently in operation are evaluated; operational experiences in libraries are discussed, including the need for user education; networking between CD-ROM networks and integrated library systems is described; and future possibilities are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

Describes the Education Reform Act of 1988 as the most important and far-reaching legislative initiative in England and Wales since 1944. Presents the Education Reform Act Research Network, a voluntary body set up to establish ways of helping academics investigating the act to learn more about one another's work as well as disseminate their…

A new generation of home-use electronic information systems could help transform American schooling. These services reach beyond computer enthusiasts, using various combinations of mass marketing techniques, attractive graphics, easy-to-use controls, localized information, low-cost access, and dedicated terminals. Representative samples include…

The role of the central university computing center in the age of personal computers includes custodian of the administrative database, provider/coordinator of network services, provider of expertise on end-user computing, provider of large scale computation, coordinator of computing in the institution, and a scholarly workstation. (DB)

Ethical issues related to computer use on college campuses are of increasing concern, and some are studying them for possible solutions. Issues include copyright of instructional and other computer materials, rude and threatening messages on computer communication networks, and teacher behavior as a model for students. (MSE)

Discusses the effects of copyright law and the ownership of intellectual ideas on scholarly publishing. The effectiveness of copyright law for scholarly and academic publishing is considered, university-based networks for scholarly publishing are described, and problems with and possibilities for electronic journals are examined. (31 references)…

Describes how one sixth-grade language arts class joined a computer network where students could exchange writing about topics they selected for themselves. Shows how students' excitement grew and how their writing skills improved naturally. (SR)

Planning for tomorrow's educational technology should consider access over specific hardware and software packages. Five essential planning components are networking, telecommunications, connections, teacher training, and funding. Some networking applications include well-distributed and well-integrated software that is easily adaptable to…

Addresses misconceptions concerning CD-ROM technology. Topics discussed include changes in CD-ROMs and possible obsolescence; high-speed wide area networks, frequency of updates, and pricing; CD-ROM databases in academic libraries; local area networks; interfaces between CD-ROM drives and computers; CD-ROM speed; uses of CD-ROM; and write-once CD…

Presents a case study of an inservice writing workshop (at Our Lady of Mercy School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) designed to give teachers hands-on experience in applying computer writing to their individual subjects. Describes how a computer culture was developed at the school. (RS)

Among 31 completers of a workplace literacy program and 37 dropouts, those who belonged to in-class cliques were more likely to remain in class than the more socially isolated. Dropouts networked in the workplace with others of similar educational levels; finishers networked with workers of higher educational levels. (SK)