The community cable that brings television programs to homes can, at a small cost, be utilized by schools and local governments as a medium for data communication. Technical and legal aspects are addressed. (MLF)

Cherry Creek (Colorado) and Los Angeles (California) school districts are using microcomputers linked to central computers to process student data. (Author)

Increased use of microcomputers in schools can be implemented more effectively when management develops acquisitions standards and controls. Technical standards as well as operational and documentation standards are outlined. (MLF)

School districts need a strategic, comprehensive, electronic data processing resources plan that would include the following major elements: (1) systems; (2) hardware; (3) software; (4) staffing; (5) control; and (6) projected budgets. (MLF)

Directed to local superintendents of schools and local coordinators who desire assistance in developing and implementing student information systems in their districts, this guide summarizes material presented in the Alabama State Department of Education's LEA Basic Data Systems: A Manual of Developmental Activities. It describes Alabama's…

Intended to assist school administrators in developing both student information systems and total information systems, this guide contains suggestions which, when considered in terms of local characteristics and concerns, can be used to create such systems to support administrative decision making, state and federal reporting, guidance, research,…

Administrators in an Alabama school district found that purchasing their own data processing equipment was a better buy than the public consortium they had been using to supply data processing needs. The system, its uses, and advantages are described. (MLF)

Some school districts are privatizing data-processing operations. In addition to commercial firms, local county or city governments can be contracted to run districts' computer operations. Advantages cited include more computing power for the money, personnel savings, and helping school districts concentrate on educating children. (MLF)

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…

Computer system hard drives will fail at some time. Stresses preparing to cope with emergencies that cannot be prevented, including making arrangements for use of an alternative computer in case of system failure. Outlines requirements for a computer environment; explains that backup is the key to disaster recovery. Describes four public domain…

Explains seven steps in implementing a computer system for the students, administration, and community of Illinois's Tiskilwa School District: assessing the computer needs, identifying barriers and incentives, identifying and selecting software, selecting appropriate hardware, specifying bid requirements, selecting a vendor and evaluating…

This administrative and instructional guide offers information and recommendations for computer design techniques based on literature sources and school district applications; design of micro- and mini-computer systems is intended for those with little or no experience. Chapter 1, "Planning for the Computer System: Choosing Purposes and Parts,"…