A microprocessor constitutes the heart and soul of a personal computer. Indeed, the quality of a personal computer is determined largely by the type of microprocessor that is included within its circuitry. Since the microcomputer revolution began in the late 1970s, these special chips have gone through a series of improvements and modifications.…

Discusses hardware requirements, functions, and applications of five information processing and desktop publishing software packages for the Macintosh: HyperCard, PageMaker, Cricket Presents, Power Point, and Adobe illustrator. Benefits of these programs for schools are considered. (MES)

Microcomputer efficiency and software economy can be achieved through file transfer and data sharing. Costs can be reduced by purchasing computer systems that allow for expansion and portability of data. (MLF)

Offers a view of the current technologies for computer networking in schools along with cost-performance comparisons that planners need to take into account when deciding on networking systems. (MLF)

The Centre Computer Base is a list of hardware which can effectively operate the software of the Research Centre for the Education of the Visually Handicapped. Essential hardware contained on the list is described, along with a variety of "add-on" devices such as joysticks, touch-screens, speech synthesizers, braille embossers, etc.…

Local area networks (LANs) are systems of computers and peripherals connected together for the purposes of electronic mail and the convenience of sharing information and expensive resources. In planning the design of such a system, the components to consider are hardware, software, transmission media, topology, operating systems, and protocols.…

Presents tips and suggestions for installing computer hardware and related equipment in school libraries. Highlights include cabling and wiring set-up; temperature control and lighting; hardware placement that allows for safety and supervision; spatial and furniture considerations for hardware stations; equipment storage; and security. (AEF)

This document contains a letter to members of the United States Senate reporting the information gathered from a study of five school districts' experiences funding technology programs. Appendices, which comprise the majority of the document, include the project scope and evaluation, and the reports from each school district. The five school…

The sixth statewide survey of school principals (1,094) and district superintendents (92) was conducted in April 1989 by the South Carolina State Department of Education Office of Instructional Technology with response rates of 99% and 100% respectively. This report uses tables, charts, and graphs to illustrate the results of the survey and…

Presents results of a survey of 10 vendors of microcomputer-based automated library systems. Directory information is provided for each vendor, as well as data on hardware requirements, system capabilities, and costs. (MES)

The results of two recent statewide surveys dramatically underscore the continued expansion and use of technology for instructional and management applications in New York State's school districts. The first survey is the fall 1989 Basic Educational Data System (BEDS) School Data Form Survey, which is completed annually by all public and nonpublic…

Describes hardware, software, and peripherals that were installed to network a stand-alone CD-ROM workstation in the library of a small K-12 school with similar computers in the computer laboratory. Experiences with two CD-ROM products--a full-text database of social science articles and an electronic version of World Book Encyclopedia--are…

Describes the growth of educational computer networks in three main categories: (1) networks for sharing peripheral equipment; (2) networks for exchanging information; and (3) networks for addressing instructional needs. The use of microcomputers and mainframe computers is examined, networks in public schools and universities are described, and…

This survey was conducted to provide a picture of how microcomputers were used in Alberta (Canada) schools in 1993. Questionnaires were sent to 125 school jurisdictions, with a return rate of 76%, and 1,524 schools, with a return rate of 87%. Data were collected on total number of computers in use, computer use by brand, expected purchase of…

Signed in April 1996, Executive Order (E.O.) 12999, "Educational Technology: Ensuring Opportunity for All Children in the Next Century," was intended to promote the transfer of unneeded federal government computer equipment to schools and educational nonprofit organizations. This report examines the supply and distribution of surplus…