Describes the collection and services of the National Library for the Handicapped Child in the United Kingdom. (MM)

Describes developments in information technology during 1988, including new telecommunications and networking services, advances in optical disk technologies, the increased use of facsimile transmissions, and new microcomputer hardware and software products. Litigation within the computer industry is reviewed, and the implications for needed…

Discusses the issues influencing the design, implementation, and promotion of the Towers Perrin in-house text retrieval system. The discussion of factors influencing system design includes the organizational culture, the existing computer and communications network, and the availability of text retrieval software. Suggestions for in-house systems…

This article discusses the impact of symbolic-manipulation systems on secondary school mathematics curriculum. Characteristics and possible roles for the symbolic systems are explored. Four references are listed. (YP)

Describes the results of an experiment designed to test the effectiveness of simple computer-assisted instructional software for sociology classes. Tests a computer tutorial on attribution theory. Found that students who took the computer tutorial did somewhat better on a quiz than the subjects did who only read the material. (KO)

The Supreme Court will not hear an appeal by a software publisher suing the University of California at Los Angeles for copying its computer programs, upholding state rights in copyright law. However, federal legislation paving the way for such suits in the future is being drafted. (MSE)

The Academic Computing Center at Winthrop College has gone beyond simple connectivity in linking its three local area networks to each other and the campus minicomputer. The environmental impact of the installation of bridges and gateways on systems, personnel, and end users is described. (MLW)

Reports the results of a survey of 1,003 libraries that examined the current use of and plans to purchase integrated library systems. Factors discussed include hardware currently installed, upgrading of old systems, plans to purchase hardware, current and desired functions, vendors, purchase of microcomputers, and automation budgets. (CLB)

A study to test the hypothesis that computer assisted instruction used at low cognitive levels is as effective and motivating as conventional teaching, while requiring fewer teacher resources is described. (Author/MLW)

Describes the use of hypertext to enhance the study process by linking related information together. Types of links used in hypertext documents are explained, exploratory hypertext systems are discussed, principles of effective studying are reviewed, and three specific hypertext systems are described as examples of how to enhance student learning.…

Discussion of the Home Computing policy at the United Kingdom's Open University focuses on the first year of a project that is seeking to provide: (1) an assessment scheme for students with disabilities using computers; (2) the provision of adapted hardware and software; and (3) the provision of suitable training and support. (12 support) (LRW)

Described is a computer program, AQUASIM, which simulates interaction between environmental factors, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish in an aquatic ecosystem. The conceptual flow, equations, variables, rate processes, and parameter manipulations are discussed. (CW)

Provides a direct instruction strategy for teaching skills and concepts required for database use. Creates an interactive environment which motivates, provides a model, imparts information, allows active student participation, gives knowledge of results, and presents guidance. (LS)

Suggests computer graphing as a topic for computer programing. Reviews Apple II computer graphics information and gives suggestions for writing the programs. Presents equations to help place information onto the screen with proper coordinates. (MVL)

Symposium participants discuss how a decade of research and experimentation with computers in schools has changed visions regarding the use of computers for classroom instruction. They discuss the design of software environments, the social and collaborative contexts, and the economic realities and equity concerns surrounding the implementation of…