This training guide is intended for use by personnel who administer Federal Direct Loan Programs at institutions of higher education. Chapter 1 describes the program, the school's role, school eligibility criteria, the Department of Education's role, the 7-step electronic data exchange (EDE) process, and quality assurance. Chapter 2 explains…

Describes a comprehensive food service computer needs assessment conducted in Minnesota. Includes three phases: (1) defining the needs of the food service; (2) evaluating vendors and their systems; and (3) system selection and contract negotiations. Cites availability of two documents published in the process.(MLF)

An explanation of electronic mail describes what it is, how it works, uses by campus administrators and national and international academic networks, how to get connected, costs, and how to use specific networks. Additional resources such as special interest mailing lists and selected library catalogs and databases are noted. (Author/MSE)

Offers information on financial and data management computer software programs designed specifically for day care centers. (BB)

Increasingly, budget pressures and rapid technological change are causing colleges to consider "outsourcing" for computer operations management, particularly for administrative purposes. Supporters see the trend as similar to hiring experts for other, ancillary services. Critics fear loss of control of the institution's vital computer systems.…

Brigham Young University (Utah) has an automated system for evaluating student transfer information, using an established database containing a historical record of courses taken at other schools. A unique feature of the system is that course evaluation and degree audit are completed the day the student is admitted. (Author/MSE)

A study involving 14 experienced physicians investigated the effectiveness of a computer program (providing statistical feedback to teach a clinical diagnostic rule that predicts the probability of streptococcal pharyngitis), in conjunction with traditional lecture and periodic disease-prevalence reports. Results suggest the integrated method is a…

Colleges and universities can use electronic services such as bulletin boards and electronic mail to both reach out to and keep in touch with alumni. Such services are already being used with some success. Many institutions will find that the technology is already in place on campus. (MSE)

A computerized method for managing institutional information to use in creating college planning documents is described. Development of the database, manipulation of the data for reporting, uses in strategic and long-range planning, and the model's implications for improvement of planning processes are discussed. (MSE)

Effective and efficient management of school district custodial and maintenance services can be achieved by contracting out these services. A competent management company will offer a computerized management system and a complete training program. Prospective management companies should also offer management and cost controls. (MLF)

The use of liquid crystal display (LCD) techniques for projection of computer monitor images onto a large screen for classroom viewing is discussed and illustrated with a pharmacology class presentation on drug/neurotransmitter-receptor interactions. The method is seen as a way of bringing a new dynamic to visual instruction. (MSE)

Ways in which microcomputers can be used in cooperative vocational education programs in secondary schools are presented. It is stated that the future of cooperative education depends on its ability to be accountable for the time that students spend outside of the classroom and that the microcomputer can be an effective tool in meeting this need.…

Background information on University of Denver's computerized degree check and advising system, the Academic Progress Report (APR), is presented. The APR program, which was implemented for undergraduates in fall 1976, is discussed in terms of the need for the program, its development, implementation, problems, and future directions. The system…

Market Data Retrieval (MDR) maintains a data base covering all United States schools, colleges, and public libraries. A recently completed MDR survey of 15,314 U.S. school districts has determined that 24,642 public schools now use computers in instruction, a 56.2 percent increase over the number of schools using instructional computing when a…

This handbook is primarily intended to serve as a primer for transit system managers who have not had any formal financial education through college classes, professional development programs, or extensive on-the-job programs. The following topics are covered: financial planning techniques for transit (beginning the financial planning process,…