A computerized fund-raising office relies on two software capabilities: word-processing software (to create, edit, store, and print text) and database software (to store, organize, and sort large numbers of facts). These capabilities handle: mass-producing personalized letters, maintaining records of gifts and acknowledgments, and generating lists…

Files on a Macintosh computer network at the Pacific University College of Optometry include: text outlines of topics; comprehensive dual mode random-access databases; two-sided flashcard decks and multi-sided computer flashcards; and progressive charts. Files may be used directly on the network or copied to students' floppy disks. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the use of video programs and telecourses in distance education and describes the development of a media selection model and evaluation instrument using the Delphi technique. The instrument, which contains specific criteria based on media selection methods, addresses such areas as educational objectives, instructional design, printed…

Describes an evaluative project in which a prototype bibliographic database on optical data disk was installed in six developing country libraries and a Canadian library. The results of the project are discussed in terms of user satisfaction and cost effectiveness, and recommendations are made to donor agencies, information providers, and…

Discussed are the use of probability simulations in a mathematics classroom. Computer simulations using regular dice and special dice are described. Sample programs used to generate 100 rolls of a pair of dice in BASIC and Logo languages are provided. (YP)

Describes a microcomputer-based program created for the U.S. Navy that automates curriculum development for technical training. Highlights include training program components; analysis and design of instructional materials; systematic support and management of the curriculum development process; software automation; and time and cost savings. (LRW)

Describes computer software for use with various age groups. Topics include activities involving temperature, simulations, earth science, the circulatory system, human body, reading in science, and ecology. Provides information on equipment needed, availability, package contents, and price. Comments of reviews are presented by classroom teachers.…

Reviews copyright legislation; presents guidelines that should be used to determine whether educators' copying procedures or policies are in keeping with the copyright laws. Presents two scenarios wherein teachers are reproducing works for their classes and provides case law citations. (MLF)

The results of an adaptation to a community college of Simpson's (1987) model for tracking student persistence within major and at the institution is presented. The software used is described and a discussion of the issues that arise in looking at persistence within a community college setting is provided. (Author/MLW)

Describes a microcomputer-based network developed at the University of California Los Angeles to support education in the social sciences. Topics discussed include technological, managerial, and academic considerations of university networking; the use of the network in teaching macroeconomics, social demographics, and symbolic logic; and possible…

Suggests ways to help students using Systeme-D, a word processing program for creative writing in French, exploit more of the linguistic features of the program aside from the dictionary section. The importance of Systeme-D for evaluating written work is discussed, and a list of all program categories within the program is provided. (GLR)

The first of two articles discusses the extent to which piracy of intellectual property hurts the U.S. economy, the role of developing nations in piracy, and who benefits from the protection of intellectual property. The second explores the implications of a Supreme Court ruling on copyrighting of computer programs created by independent…

Discussion of computer-assisted learning (CAL) versus book learning focuses on software called a book emulator that was applied to CAL to reflect desirable attributes of learning from books. A project at the University of York that used the book emulator in an electronics course is described, and future possibilities are suggested. (12 references)…

Discussion of the use of artificial intelligence in computer-based instruction focuses on training development for the U.S. Army. Topics discussed include the Systems Approach to Training (SAT); knowledge acquisition; domain expertise; intelligent computer-assisted instruction; software tools and decision aids; and expert systems. (10 references)…

Identifies questions that school librarians considering retrospective conversion should ask to evaluate their catalog needs and questions to ask vendors about their conversion methods. Comparative data about various vendors and methods of retrospective conversion are provided, along with a list of vendor addresses. (CLB)