Reasons why institutions of higher education might choose to acquire computer services from off-campus suppliers are identified and include the difficulty of maintaining a qualified technical systems group. The importance of careful management oversight from contract bidding to ongoing performance monitoring is stressed. (DB)

Based on experiences with use of microcomputers in a business computer programing curriculum at a community college, this article suggests guidelines for designing a computer laboratory that will meet the needs of disabled students. Specific hardware and software aids are recommended, and the importance of faculty attitude is discussed. (three…

Presents guidelines for college students on using the Internet. Highlights include registering early, learning about Campus Wide Information System, finding an ideal time to use the computer lab and experimenting on the equipment, finding local USENET groups, reading the local mailing lists, researching professors' backgrounds, e-mailing…

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…

School safety is a human concern, one that every school and community must take seriously and strive continually to achieve. It is also a legal concern; schools can be held liable if they do not make good-faith efforts to provide a safe and secure school environment. How schools are built and maintained is an integral part of school safety and…

Community college faculty interested in the creative use of computer technology in instruction should know that: (1) there is a wide range of software and hardware which is, or should be, available on campuses; (2) faculty members do not have to be technical experts to make creative use of available resources; (3) computers can provide…

Describes a study that researched elements necessary for the design of an interactive video learning (IVL) lab for business courses. Highlights include a review of pertinent literature; guidelines for the use of an IVL lab; IVL systems integration; system specifications; hardware costs; and system software. (five references) (LRW)

This booklet is designed to provide educational administrators and planners with an easy guide to understanding the constantly evolving elements of school technology. The booklet presents a comprehensive overview of modern information systems in schools and how they can enhance the students' learning environment. Seven sections address a variety…

Discusses the need to create a learning environment in the computer lab that encourages students to "dabble." Benefits include increased student motivation, help for special needs students, and a decrease in truancy. Presents answers to possible objections to this form of student-directed learning and provides tips for running a lab efficiently.…

This second in a series of articles on planning for instructional computer networks focuses on site preparation, installation, service, and support. Highlights include an implementation schedule; classroom and computer lab layouts; electrical power needs; workstations; network cable; telephones; furniture; climate control; and security. (LRW)

Academic libraries must integrate technology and traditional library service. Online catalogs, high-tech campus information networks, and accelerated resource sharing present opportunities for building comprehensive information centers. However, the interiors of most existing libraries were not designed to accommodate extensive high-tech equipment…

Addresses issues in designing or enhancing a computerized training room for teaching end-users how to search online databases. These include environmental aesthetics and practical considerations such as lighting, sound, wiring, furniture, and equipment and software selection. How to design the room to suit multiple purposes and to accommodate…

Using a computer should be an important part of children's education. Some guidelines are provided to help parents evaluate the value of computer use in their children's school. School policies should provide for a well-equipped laboratory, a variety of appropriate software, and a way for students to network with other students. All students,…

This book distinguishes between the "must-haves" and the "nice-to-haves" for both Macintosh and Windows platforms and recommends 298 "bargains" in children's shareware, freeware, and Web resources. The book is divided into two sections: The first section presents bargain-hunting strategies (chapters 1-5), and the…

To help new computer users, many college campuses are setting up computer support centers or programs for faculty and staff. Typical services include training, expert help with computing tasks, and assistance with more specialized projects such as instructional software development. This guide highlights some of the issues involved in the…