The presentation focuses on development and criteria for selecting a database management system in the schools, with particular application to special education. An introductory section describes general applications for education in three basic categories: word processing, electronic spread sheet, and database management systems. An integrated…

The paper describes the Special Education Data Management System (SEDMS), an approach which provides flexibility in meeting changing data requirements and which can generate reports in a reliable manner. Further, SEDMS is operable by a non-programer within a multi-user environment. SEDMS checks the validity of entries to ensure against inaccurate…

The paper examines the application of IMS--Instruction Management Systems--on classroom instruction with exceptional students. IMS, a computer-based material generation and record management software program which has been field tested in secondary school resource rooms in Utah and Idaho, is a unique model in that it includes aspects of both…

The role of the computer as manager of instruction in special education is discussed. In Part 1, basic computer terms are introduced under the major headings of data measurement, hardware, and software. Part 2 focuses on selection criteria for microcomputers. Suggestions for evaluating software are given in terms of ease of use, documentation,…

The paper describes a microcomputer disk, Data Based Program Modification (DBPM), which allows special and regular educators to monitor the progress of each student, thereby perceiving the effectiveness of the instructional program. The advantages of such a formative evaluation approach are considered. The development of the DBPM is outlined in…

Increasingly, software is being developed for special education administrative purposes, including Individualized Education Program development and documentation, database management for reporting and monitoring instructional programs for federal accountability, statistical analysis for program monitoring, and creative uses. The widespread use of…

The author cites the arrival of the information age and considers its implications for special education. He suggests that special educators must build their information management skills. Four specific applications of microcomputers in special education are addressed: tool applications (in which students use microcomputer technology as personal…

The paper demonstrates how school districts can have a low cost software library for instruction by utilizing public domain software. Such software can be used to augment the curriculum and to meet the individual needs of special education students. Specific examples of how one school district has used public domain software in computer-assisted…

The paper describes a mainframe based, locally devised computer-based system that meets the needs of a medium sized district in managing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for handicapped students. The program produces and stores behaviorally based IEPs tailored to reflect the competency based regular education curriculum in use. The system…

Developed to fill a gap in preservice and inservice training, the materials focus on training special education administrators and program specialists to use computers in program management. Materials include packets to be reproduced for participants as well as outlines, transparency masters, lists of audiovisual materials, and scripts for…

The role of artificial intelligence expert systems in administrative issues in special education is examined. Mandate Consultant (MC) is one such system designed to provide a second opinion on the consistency of school officials' actions in implementing the Individualized Education Program team process. MC employs rules based on the Education For…

The study reports on the costs and time associated with the preparation of special education individualized education programs (IEPs) with and without computer assistance. Data were gathered from nine agencies within California. In each agency special education administrators, teachers and parents were interviewed to determine the time and…

The design of the CAI interface described is based on the microprocessor in order to meet three basic requirements for providing appropriate instruction to the developmentally handicapped: (1) portability, so that CAI can be taken into the customary learning environment; (2) reliability; and (3) flexibility, to permit use of new input and output…

The paper briefly describes TIP (Telecommunications Intervention Program), a service which delivers preliminary Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for Head Start handicapped children based on a computerized data base of long range goals, short term objectives, and specific related learning activities. This high technology expert system was…

The paper examines implications of the application of computer expert systems in the field of education, particularly special education. The development of expert systems in general is reviewed as are its applications in education as intelligent tutoring systems and in special education in the areas of student classification, teacher education,…