Discussed are difficulties in producing middle level technicians in developing nations. The author cites general antipathy to new ideas including technology, opposition to education for economic and religious reasons, dearth of suitable science and technical courses, and ineffective government planning as major problems. (Author/DB)

Examines the focus of 10 recent reports of importance to elementary principals and provides editorial comments on each. Categories of the reports include the following: schooling, Department of Education initiatives, literacy, teachers, and school effectiveness. (IW)

Identifies basic issues relevant to the development of dropout prevention programs. Considers (1) risk factors leading to dropout, (2) nine possible target groups for dropout intervention, and (3) four possible constraints (cost, burden, directions, and laws) that will influence the consideration and selection of new policies or programs. (IW)

Presents objections to the use of special-purpose computer languages for authoring courseware and recommends use of authoring procedures with a general-purpose language (in this case PASCAL). Highlights include problems in designing computer assisted instruction, developments in educational theory, a summary of modern authoring languages, and…

Reviews the current state of educational technology, discusses some problems perceived by experts in the field, and suggests directions for its future. Systematic versus systemic theories of the field are emphasized, and the role of research in improving learner performance is described. (32 references) (LRW)

Articles highlight National Endowment for the Humanities Support for United States Newspaper Program; coordination of cataloging practices; on-site cataloging; Pennsylvania Newspaper Project; Newspaper Cataloging Manual and Anglo American Cataloging Rules (AACR2); national policy for cataloging microform reproductions; and intended audience terms.…

Discussion of main areas and priorities for research and development and the scientific and technological infrastructure in Sri Lanka includes outline of history and main objectives of the Sri Lanka Scientific and Technical Information Center. Issues and problems in providing information are analyzed and possible solutions suggested. Seven sources…

Criticizes the Holmes Group Report for the incompleteness of its recommendations in the following areas: (1) redesigning the undergraduate liberal arts curriculum, (2) eliminating undergraduate field experience, and (3) endorsing the concept of a differentiated staff composed of instructors, professional teachers, and career professionals.…

Discusses four potential problem areas in the employment of temporary librarians in a variety of positions in academic libraries--orientation, supervision, acceptance and integration, and utilization--and notes the influence of time limitations on the work environment. Solutions are suggested, and further research is proposed. Fourteen sources are…

Defines eight software production stages, and argues that the key to the production of a higher quantity of reasonable quality software lies in development of support technologies to assist teachers in software development. Three approaches--software toolboxes, computer assisted instruction (CAI) program shells, and software CAI analysts--are…

Presents microcomputer-based information retrieval system in public access mode and describes preparations, procedures, and use developed and recorded during first year of operation at Louisiana State University. A detailed analysis of month-long free trial period (user status, major areas of study, subjects searched) and 10 conclusions and…

Describes the video program of Zimbabwe's Department of Agricultural, Technical, and Extension Services (Agritex), which produces and distributes training aids for extension staff, farmers, and ministries involved in rural development. Main problems with use of video in Agritex are discussed, and recommendations are offered for improving the video…

Outlines procedures and policies carried out by Simon Fraser University (SFU) in the microform conversion program initiated due to imminent space problems. Discussion covers background, space situation at SFU (seating, shelving), financial support for program, involvement of University Microfilms International and a book dealer, and conclusions.…

This essay addresses the serious problem for bibliographic instruction programs posed by teaching faculty who possess few skills in library research. Discussion covers faculty and student experience with bibliographic research, the bookish professor and other myths, difficulties of library instruction, and implications for future planning.…

Identifies obstacles to progress of computer-based education as hardware, communications systems, and courseware costs, and computer illiteracy, lack of cooperative vehicles, inadequate teacher preparation, public cynicism, education bureaucracy, and funding shifts. Costs of an experiment involving nine Florida schools using PLATO with legislative…