Presents an annotated bibliography of 44 information sources on computer technology in Eastern Europe. Topics addressed include the history of computer technology in former Soviet Bloc countries; computer use in the economic, military, and educational sectors; information technology and its effect on society; and technology transfer and East-West…

Presents an algorithm to estimate pi by approximating a unit circle with a sequence of inscribed regular polygons. Demonstrates the application of the algorithm with a hand-held calculator and an Apple computer. Provides a program to calculate pi in Pascal programing language. (12 references) (MDH)

Four developments have made strategic planning and information-based management necessary in higher education: changing external conditions; demands for accountability; deteriorating financial strength; and need for changes in leadership roles. Although institutional situations and needs vary, what is most important is to learn to manage with…

Design concepts and techniques for building integrated executive information systems and decision-support systems for mission-critical college applications are presented from the developer's perspective. Financial planning, student retention, and enrollment demand are offered as examples of administrative applications. Sample screens are included…

Priority given to enrollment management at the University of Hartford (Connecticut) has created demands for better information about prospective student markets, admissions selectivity, enrollments, student adjustment, retention, and graduation rates. The planning and institutional research office used fourth-generation software, microcomputers,…

This paper describes computer-based optical character recognition (OCR) systems, focusing on their components (the computer, the scanner, the OCR, and the output device); how the systems work; and features to consider in selecting a system. A list of 26 questions to ask to evaluate systems for potential purchase is included. (JDD)

This article discusses technology available in Sweden for visually impaired and deaf-blind people. It describes systems for stop announcements on buses and trams, queuing systems in shops and banks, text telephones, synthetic speech or braille displays of newspapers and other information sources, and home computers. Ideas for the future are also…

Describes Web-site resources for children's literature. Discusses sites that provide users with information for matching books with readers; children's literature listservs; and sites with ideas for enhancing the curriculum with literature activities. Demonstrates how children's books and Web sites can be used together in the classroom. (AEF)

At a large university, faculty ratings in five academic areas were collected from two groups of students using paper-and-pencil or electronic survey administration. The two modes yielded similar factor patterns, with ratings influenced by academic area but not survey method. Students felt more anonymous using the paper-and-pencil method;…

Colleges competing to offer distance education are using aggressive marketing tactics to gain visibility. Some observers wonder whether educational interests or marketing agencies are driving the trend. The agencies offer varied services, including course creation, course conversion to electronic format, faculty training for online teaching,…

Describes implementation of a computerized version of the Child Welfare League of America's Child Well-Being Scales by a family services agency in southern Ontario. Reviews results obtained from 172 families to illustrate the potential for using computerized risk assessment as an aid in clinical, supervisory, and management decision-making…

Increasingly, college and university alumni associations are providing confidential online career services, including access to job listings, opportunities for resume postings, direct access to quality applicants, and bypass conventional advertising and expensive headhunters. For alumni, they expand job networking opportunities and facilitate the…

Describes a new model for quantitatively assessing screen formats. Results of applying the model to data entry screens support the use of the model. Also described is a critiquing mechanism embedded in a user interface design environment as a demonstration of this approach. (Author/AEF)

Addresses the future of library automation programs for schools. Discusses requirements of emerging OPACs and circulation systems; the Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF), an industry initiatives to develop an open specification for ensuring that K-12 instructional and administrative software applications work together more effectively; home…

The Organized Career Orientation Course was written to help Bahraini secondary school leavers prepare for the job market by equipping them with relevant language skills such as note taking and report writing. The strong point of the course is the multi-media input and the fact that it is student-centered. Two learning methods were piloted. Results…