An introduction to general systems theory and an overview of vocabulary and concepts are presented to introduce school business officials to systems thinking and to foster its use as an analytical tool. The theory is then used to analyze a sample problem: planning changes to a district's administrative computer system. (eight references) (MLF)

Designed to assist educators in planning for technological changes in secondary schools, this report presents the findings of a survey conducted in May 1989 to obtain information on the use of microcomputers in Oregon's classrooms. A 46-item questionnaire was mailed to the principals, computer coordinators, and heads of academic departments at 21…

To keep expensive computer software and hardware functioning requires good housekeeping, some protective equipment, ground rules, and supervision. Schools can arrange microcomputer maintenance through service agreements with computer manufacturers, pay-as-you-go service from local computer stores, or setting up their own maintenance and repair…

Teachers need to become comfortable with computers and to find out how to use computers in their teaching. Tips for training teachers include developing an inservice training corps, hiring teachers with computer expertise for peer instruction, and utilizing free services and materials. (MLF)

This policy report provides a view of the issues concerning the effectiveness of technology in its role to enhance education. This report is intended for use by educational leaders and policymakers who are concerned with making optimal use of technology in the schools. This report: (1) Focuses on issues that need to be considered as the impact of…

Development software has been on the market for 15 to 20 years. Vendors offer outstanding software, but the software must be right for the environment and needs of each office. Software should be able to be used by the entire staff including the manager, not just the technical staff. (MLW)

Discusses "REFLEX," a software package for scheduling. Explores the program's applications in preparing a departmental class schedule. Explains that "REFLEX" includes a filter function and some attributes of a spreadsheet but lacks the ability to interact with other databases. Concludes that the program can make scheduling…

Florida Atlantic University established a computer user services department separate from administrative computing, academic computing, and the management information system to provide user support independent of the specific computer application. The challenges encountered and their solutions are outlined, and recommendations are made for other…

The North Suburban Higher Education Consortium, a regional consortium in metropolitan Chicago (Illinois), illustrates how sharing technological resources can advance state educational technology initiatives. Begun as a modest effort to coordinate academic programs, the consortium has evolved into a complex system for the funding and use of…

This article discusses the technology immersion in the Minnetonka, Minn., School District. Imagine walking into a classroom where the teacher uses his finger on a giant touch screen to maneuver website data or diagram a sentence. Imagine every student in the class--even the one who hasn't spoken all semester--holding a response device to give the…

Females, minorities, and disadvantaged students are not generally encouraged to work with computers as a result of traditional, cultural biases. Educators must work to assure equal computer access for all students. (JL)

Arizona State University uses the Computer-Administered Mathematics Examination to identify preservice teachers who need mathematics remediation. Reported are the results of the testing of several groups of students. Some of the students were retested after remediation. (RH)

A Swedish study of the uses of computers at Brown University is described, and tentative conclusions about the problems and potential of computer use on that campus are presented. (Author/MSE)

This monthly report documents the accomplishments of the Year 2000 project in Rhode Island's public higher education. It reviews computer problems related to the Year 2000 date change, noting the basic technical solution necessary to avoid disruption to higher education, and summarizes Executive Order 99-1, issued in January 1999, requiring all…

This resource guide presents information on gender equity in mathematics education reform. The project focuses on how issues of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and language play out in the elementary reform math classroom. The guide is specifically geared toward staff developers and teachers who are implementing new mathematics curricula.…