Some emerging patterns in educational computing permit speculation about future trends in educational computer hardware, software, and applications. Ultimately, three types of hardware units will be used by schools: professional systems, personal computers (microcomputers), and a new generation of inexpensive personal computers that can be…

A 1983 site-visit survey of 20 colleges actively engaged in developing their information technology (IT) expertise and resources indicate that many teachers do not appreciate the relevance of the computer to their work; few colleges have an effective and structured approach to IT in terms of staffing, equipment, or application; and lack of…

This fact sheet gives an overview of computer-based career information and guidance systems to aid in understanding, selecting, and using such systems. Topics covered include: (1) possible components of a computer-based system; (2) user needs which can be met through such a system; (3) areas to be considered when selecting a system including…

The Microcomputer Program Oriented Budgeting System (MICROCOMP POB) is an accounts payable system intended for use in school districts. The system is based on the general principles of encumbrance accounting and the use of multiple account numbers. For each account number, the primary information provided consists of year to date balances for…

This study develops a model for introducing computers into the schools of the County of Grande Prairie, Alberta (Canada), and by extension into any small school system. Data were gathered from three sources: questionnaires to superintendents and school staff, onsite visits to schools needing computer instruction, and literature on the issues and…

Designed to assist administrators in making intelligent decisions about microcomputer selection, this nontechnical guide provides information in three areas: how, where, when, and why to use a microcomputer; what questions to ask about software and hardware; and what terminology to use. It provides a framework for answering six questions the…

Grants for computer-oriented programs on college campuses are examined. The general pattern of funding during 1982 and grant programs of several foundations are addressed. The ways that colleges have used grant funds for computing activities are described through a series of case studies. Attention is directed to funding patterns across…

Conference papers and descriptions of panels, workshops, and poster sessions are separated by topic into five "stems." The first stem, Advanced Technology Applications, contains papers covering advanced technology training, evaluation and applications of word processing equipment, publication databases, electronic and online…

The "Titles" information system reviews annually the documents entered into the ERIC data base in order to identify the highest quality instructional resources. This catalog lists a total of 869 teaching guides and learning guides selected from the ERIC input during 1983 as especially suitable for direct use by teachers, students,…

Basic design and implementation issues encountered in providing academic support systems are examined. "Academic support systems" describes the growing class of university computing that is being developed to integrate administrative computing environments. These systems may be typically characterized by the activities that center around…

In a study conducted to identify the major forces that appear likely to influence vocational education in the next three to five years, a general model or conceptual framework was developed and modified by suggestions from a panel of experts. The following were identified as major influences: (1) a gradual decrease in the number of secondary…

The value of computer teleconferencing, which enables two or more individuals at two or more locations to communicate, is described. In short, computer teleconferencing brings the expert to the student at a time when the student has time to study, and a person can reenter the system at any time that work and home schedules permit. Once a basic…

Most computer training has made little distinction between the training of teachers and computer professionals, and few of the professional training courses discuss the fundamental elements of curriculum revision in connection with computing literacy and implementation. The implementation of computing via the microcomputer at the United Nations…

This examination of the aspects of computers and computer conferencing that can lead to their successful design and utilization focuses on task-related functions and emotional interactions in human communication and human-computer interactions. Such aspects of computer conferences as procedures, problems, advantages, and suggestions for future…

Human factors engineering can be defined as the application of scientific principles, methods, and data drawn from a variety of disciplines to the development of engineering systems in which people play a significant role. Since human factors issues arise in every domain in which humans interact with the products of a technological society, six…