Procedures for obtaining student samples for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and deriving survey weights for analysis of survey data are described. Sample designs are economically and operationally feasible, and weighting procedures result in increased precision of estimates as they account for the probabilities of student…

Discussion of learner control in distance education focuses on a study that examined six factors relating to three dimensions of control, i.e., independence, competence, and support. The use of factor analysis is explained, and the roles of teachers and the university in increasing learner control are discussed. (19 references) (LRW)

Reviews the concept of learning in distance education; explains a model that lays the conceptual foundation for successfully integrating computer-based instruction with computer conferencing for interactive distance delivery; describes a pilot project at the University of Guelph that used the model; and discusses the project's evaluation. (21…

Article reanalyzes and expands upon data from Tennessee's Project STAR which examined the effects of class size reduction on student achievement in the primary grades. It describes six competing theories of class size impact on achievement and test performance, settling on the student group/modeling interpretation of study data. (SM)

Describes a study that examined how well human intermediaries understand and translate a client's information need statement without the client being present. Virtual libraries are discussed; the satisfaction of a client is considered; and the use of term frequency as an indicator of content is described. (18 references) (LRW)

A factor analysis of affective data gathered from searchers of an online library catalog, and a card catalog allowed researchers to isolate factors leading to success or failure in information retrieval. Factor patterns serve to identify how searches are evaluated by users. Further research is suggested as are features to facilitate successful…

This special section on CD-ROM and multimedia includes three articles: "What You Need to Know before Networking CD-ROMs" (David Burke); "Multimedia in a Traditional Library Setting" (Norman K. Peterson and Laurn Wilhelm); and "SilverPlatter Embraces the Future" (Pat Ensor). Reviews of two CD-ROM products are also…

Analysis of publication records of 607 North American library and information science (LIS) school faculty shows that publication productivity is higher in LIS schools with a Ph.D. program than in those without; Carnegie Research Universities I schools publish more; and Ph.D. institutions have a greater output of refereed articles than master's…

Reports on a study of the ability of preschoolers and first, second, and third graders to use three computer input devices: a joystick, a mouse, and a keyboard. For all grade levels, the mouse offered the greatest ease of use in manipulating icons, followed by the joystick and the keyboard. No effect for gender was found. (Contains 30 references.)…

Discussion of the role of microcomputers in information transfer focuses on CD-ROMs and national and international government organizations as data producers and disseminators. Microcomputers and the information industry in developing nations are examined; dissemination of information from international organizations is described; and the United…

Describes a study that investigated the information needs of rural health workers in Hawaii and their current means of information access. Highlights include ranking of information needs, ranked sources of information, hardware ownership, use of electronic sources, use of document delivery services, and perceived barriers to information use.…

Twenty-eight adolescent girls were questioned about their life concerns and the role of information in helping with these concerns. They were able to identify a number of information needs. Most thought that information was available to assist them but not from school and public libraries. The findings suggested possible reasons for this.…

Describes the use of Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I) and Commodore Dynamic Total Vision (CDTV) technology in school library media center reference services. CD-I and CDTV are compared to CD-ROM regarding hardware, editing, and software; and to videodisks regarding hardware, analog/digital, standardization, audio/video, and cost. (Contains 12…

Describes a pilot study examining how Australian academics are using the Australian Academic and Research Network. Ten tables provide details on network services used in relation to academic role, importance of services used and relationship to academic work, and specific applications for e-mail, remote login, news groups and FTP (file transfer…

Describes results of a survey of 732 students in 12 Departments of Information and Library Studies (DILSs) that measured prior experiences in office automation skills, their assessment of their knowledge and confidence with computers, the level of information technology (IT) provided, and whether their IT training was adequate for future…