Highlights of this overview of virtual reality include optics; interface devices; virtual worlds; potential applications, including medicine and archaeology; problems, including costs; current research and development; future possibilities; and a listing of vendors and suppliers of virtual reality products. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Microcomputer-managed examination scheduling at the University of Calgary (Canada) has two stages. The first uses mathematical methods to create a timetable that is conflict-free, uses a minimum number of periods, and minimizes the number of students with multiple exams in one day. An interactive stage allows the examination officer to accommodate…

Increasingly, colleges are using new technologies, often expensive, to improve fund-raising capacity among small-scale donors. Techniques include computerized screening of prospective donors based on personal information, automatic dialing and phone-bank worker training, and sophisticated direct-mail tactics. Concern about privacy and loss of the…

Microcomputers were introduced into a child protection agency to improve the work environment and increase productivity. The problems and benefits of computer-based changes are reviewed, and specific software applications and organizational implications are discussed. (Author/LB)

At Boston College (Massachusetts), chemistry faculty are incorporating advanced technology into the classroom to motivate students to further study. A new $31 million chemistry center allows computer-based simulated experiments, computer-assisted instruction, and advanced graphics for visualization. Despite use of incentives, some student…

California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo is exploring several cost-effective technological solutions to improve learning productivity, reduce labor intensity, and provide new ways to deliver education and better services to students while enhancing quality of instruction. Strategic planning and partnerships have been key…

The increase in computer facilities, applications, and access on college campuses raises concerns about information and resource management. In developing an information policy, Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) addressed a variety of issues, including legal liability, censorship, resource management, ownership of information, user responsibility,…

Describes five educational restructuring projects that have been taking place in the Alhambra School District in California. Includes descriptions of literature instruction, multimedia research in high school social science, notebook computers and high school at-risk students, LogoWriter for grades 7-8, and interactive video for fourth graders.…

A 1990 Institutional Management for Higher Education workshop on university research in the new European Community is summarized. The report focuses on potential changes in university research structures and patterns and implications of those changes and strategies to keep research vital, including development of international computer networks…

Reports the experience of one international organization, the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), a global corporation based in New Delhi, India, in attempting to reach the factory goal in the field of technology-based training. Describes the challenges and issues associated with that quest. (Author/AEF)

Focuses on the use of e-mail games for learning. Discusses terminology; reasons for using virtual games; promoting person-to-person interaction online; how to play an e-mail game, including three examples of specific games; player reactions; design components; the functions for facilitating an e-mail game; and the game as an excuse for debriefing.…

The University of Michigan, winner of a federal award for its campus energy conservation, has developed a building automation system that uses direct-digital-control technology to manage energy use. The project, undertaken in partnership with an energy management company, has saved over $10 million since its inception, and includes a revolving…

A pathfinder diskette contains a customized Web page that links the student immediately to content-rich Web sites, eliminating the false starts and dead ends inherent in preliminary Web searches. Suggestions are provided for creating pathfinders that meet multiple information needs within the school. (AEF)

A discussion of current uses of technology in campus activities programming looks at what is meant by "new technology"; the range of uses of technology in this field; the role and impact of the interactive aspects of information technology; how technology affects how professionals educate, advise, and train students; and dealing with students who…

Rich Site Summary (RSS) is an XML format designed to let content providers share news headlines and content with other sites without having to create a completely new Web page. Discusses three issues to consider before creating a newsfeed: content integrity, bandwidth issues, and spellcheck. Identifies resources for getting started and the two…