The installation of a local area network (LAN) to support two classrooms at Lehman College is described. The objectives were to improve the effectiveness of staff by reducing the time required for distributing and collecting diskettes and for maintenance of the diskette library, and to facilitate access to peripheral devices. (Author/MLW)

Explains the use of a computer as a planning and teaching tool in wilderness trip food planning. Details use of master food list and spreadsheet software such as VisiCalc to provide shopping lists for food purchasing, cost analysis, and diet analysis. (NEC)

Outlines two traditions in the field of computer simulation, one focusing upon the character of the software within the computer, the other focusing upon the exercise outside the computer which the software is supporting. Topics discussed include mathematical modeling, gaming, information retrieval, decision monitoring, and applications in…

To determine which produced the most accurate item parameter estimates, four methods of item response theory were evaluated: (1) heuristic estimates; (2) the ANCILLES program; (3) the LOGIST program; and (4) the ASCAL program. LOGIST and ASCAL produced estimates of superior and essentially equivalent accuracy. (SLD)

LISREL program was used to examine measurement model assumptions and to assess reliability of Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory for Children, Form B. Data on 722 third-sixth graders from over 70 schools in large urban school district were used. LISREL program assessed (1) nature of basic measurement model for scale, (2) scale invariance across…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using an Apple Macintosh in a high school journalism department. Details the software available in the categories of layout ("Xpress" and "Pagemaker"), word processing ("Microsoft Word"), and graphics ("MacDraw,""Cricket Draw,""MacPaint," and…

Discusses the relative ease of obtaining library management statistics when using machine readable records and powerful software tools such as the Statistical Analysis System package. The development of such a management information system for the Cataloging in Publication division of the Library of Congress is described. (Seven notes with…

Described is a computer network at the University of Houston known as MacLAN. It was designed to support the instructional program of the College of Education. Included is the information on how the network was organized, what was learned, and recommendations for similar efforts. (TW)

Argues that a special type of software (i.e., mindware) is needed to prepare students for life and work in the knowledge-based society of the 21st Century. Sees mindware as enabling students to experience the full range of inquiry skills, from data gathering to analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (DMM)

Reviews four software packages: (1) Agents of Infection; (2) The Earth Science Series; (3) Investigating Electric Fields; and (4) Aquatic Biology-PC. Describes the hardware needed, bibliographic data and specific details of the programs themselves. (CW)

Describes system developed at Bennett College for recording grades on a spreadsheet that allows multi-user access for updating student test scores. The interaction between spreadsheets, user-developed statistics programs, and word processing documents is discussed, and a process for using spreadsheet data in a BASIC statistics program is…

Suggests a model for using a spreadsheet to allocate academic library salary increases. Seven variables are incorporated in the model: (1) experience; (2) difficulty of the job; (3) initiative; (4) cost of living; (5) inflation; (6) equity; and (7) merit. One reference is listed. (MES)

Claims that computer programs are needed that operate on commonly available microcomputers and provide guidance in the generation and interrogation of a writer's ideas. Discusses Hugh Burns' program "TOPOI" as an example. Describes ways in which a computer and operator can interact. Criticizes those who view open-response software merely…

Describes the general elements of the National Plan for Microcomputers in Scottish schools, a plan devised by the Scottish Microelectronic Development Programme, which stresses national standardization of computer systems for compatibility of software and communication links and development of national software application packages. (MBR)

This paper reviews the history of separate online system interfaces which led to efforts to develop expert systems for searching databases, particularly for end users, and introduces the research on such expert systems. Appended is a bibliography of sources on interfaces and expert systems for online retrieval. (Author/EJS)