A California State University study of alternative job design approaches in the university's information technology community is described. The study was designed to develop a job design approach that could adapt to changing skill requirements, promote continuous acquisition of skills for knowledge-based employees, and improve organizational…

In a six-month period, the University of Alberta (Canada) campus computing services department formulated a strategic plan, and downsized and reorganized to meet financial constraints and respond to changing technology, especially distributed computing. The new department is organized to react more effectively to trends in technology and user…

A computerized system used in an Australian university school of education to allocate faculty teaching loads equitably and flexibly is described. It features reconciliation of workloads based on (1) course design and enrollment and (2) formulas relating to administration, research, and development responsibilities negotiated within the faculty.…

A study of 359 undergraduate students in business (n=125), education (n=111), and nursing (n=123) in 3 state university systems investigated the use of 2 affective measures concerning aspects of computer technology. Data on construct validity, relationship between results of the two measures, and implications for future research are reported.…

Examined and documented effects of interactive computer-based education and training on rehabilitation of long-term care residents (n=14). This approach was found to provide mental stimulation and challenge, as well as improving practical skills which directly impact upon competencies and feelings of autonomy of participants. (Author/NB)

The University of Michigan uses computer teleconferencing to extend classroom interaction beyond classroom hours and space. Using this computer conference to present, explore, and discuss medical ethics issues makes students active, thoughtful participants and makes discussion easier. Current case materials are presented before classroom…

A computerized mechanism for client tracking linked to a management information system (MIS) is presented. The MIS can thus serve several evaluation functions. Features of the MIS are illustrated through a previous study of a project for pregnant and postpartum chemically dependent women. (SLD)

The St. Petersburg Community College District (Florida) has embarked on a $9 million project to create a computer network among its seven campuses, putting a computer on the desk of each teacher and administrator. Three computer companies formed a partnership to support the venture, contributing about $3 million worth of equipment. (MSE)

This study evaluated 9 computer-generated measures of children's language production, based on 24 children with specific language impairment and 24 normally developing children, ages 24-50 months. Three measures possessed desirable developmental and diagnostic characteristics: mean syntactic length, total number of words, and number of different…

A computer-based group decision support system (GDSS) to increase collaborative group productivity and creativity is explained. Various roles for the computer are identified, and implementation of GDSS systems at the University of Mississippi and International Business Machines are described. The GDSS is seen as fostering productivity through…

A program using interactive software based on repertory grid techniques was used to monitor progress of first-year nursing students at the University of London, to learn student reactions to courses and illuminate individual difficulties and concerns. The approach is found to provide useful information to course providers and evaluators.…

FARM Cheque is a system that integrates technical and farm management advice to provide detailed accounting information to farmers. The program has recordkeeping, software, advisory, and database components. (SK)

This article discusses studies supporting the use of computer-managed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and potential deterrents using such software, and summarizes software evaluation criteria. A checklist/rating scale is presented and applied to two software programs: the "Talley Goals and Objectives Writer" and "IEPs…

When Canadian institutions would not provide courses for the Canim Lake (British Columbia) Band of the Shuswap Indians, Gonzaga University (Washington), 500 miles away, began a program of classes held on the reservation, linkage with the main campus by computer, and an on-campus summer session that entire families attended. (MSE)

Colleges and universities must find a way to streamline and integrate information management processes across the organization. The Georgia Institute of Technology responded to an acute problem of dissimilar operating systems with a campus-wide integrated administrative system using a machine independent relational database management system. (MSE)