Since its introduction in the late 1970s, the videodisc was plagued with difficulties until attention shifted to its educational role and equipment for more reliable computer control and better authoring programs became available. The videodisc has since enjoyed rebirth as an educational tool, with noteworthy applications and development efforts…

A discussion of Executive Information Systems, the newest decision-support computer application for organizations, argues that this approach could profoundly change how colleges and universities are managed. Using graphics, icons, and mainframe data retrieval software, middle management can handle large quantities of information. Proven design…

Describes the structure and operations of a computer simulation model used in Papua New Guinea, developed with technical assistance from UNESCO. Notes that model establishes baseline data on student enrollments, teacher posts, and costs of education, and can be used to simulate policies under consideration and provide output on student flows,…

Reports the experience of one international organization, the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), a global corporation based in New Delhi, India, in attempting to reach the factory goal in the field of technology-based training. Describes the challenges and issues associated with that quest. (Author/AEF)

Describes "Glass-box Interpreter" a low-level program visualization tool called Bradman designed to provide a conceptual model of C program execution for novice programmers and makes visible aspects of the programming process normally hidden from the user. Presents an experiment that tests the efficacy of Bradman, and provides…

Examines whether the time has come for electronic books to have a leading role in book publishing. Highlights the trends and issues, including hardware and software appliances, formatting standards, and legal issues and rights. Gives profiles of the major e-publishing companies and products to watch. (AEF)

Focuses on the use of e-mail games for learning. Discusses terminology; reasons for using virtual games; promoting person-to-person interaction online; how to play an e-mail game, including three examples of specific games; player reactions; design components; the functions for facilitating an e-mail game; and the game as an excuse for debriefing.…

The University of Michigan, winner of a federal award for its campus energy conservation, has developed a building automation system that uses direct-digital-control technology to manage energy use. The project, undertaken in partnership with an energy management company, has saved over $10 million since its inception, and includes a revolving…

A pathfinder diskette contains a customized Web page that links the student immediately to content-rich Web sites, eliminating the false starts and dead ends inherent in preliminary Web searches. Suggestions are provided for creating pathfinders that meet multiple information needs within the school. (AEF)

A qualitative study of a successful e-mail mediated help service which incorporated content analysis of service logs and interviews with staff and users revealed two models of ideal service exchanges: concise question/response dyads and extended dialog. Staff tend to consider dialog typical, while users almost exclusively consider the minimum…

A discussion of current uses of technology in campus activities programming looks at what is meant by "new technology"; the range of uses of technology in this field; the role and impact of the interactive aspects of information technology; how technology affects how professionals educate, advise, and train students; and dealing with students who…

Rich Site Summary (RSS) is an XML format designed to let content providers share news headlines and content with other sites without having to create a completely new Web page. Discusses three issues to consider before creating a newsfeed: content integrity, bandwidth issues, and spellcheck. Identifies resources for getting started and the two…

A study examined the effects of several text-entry methods, including handwriting and five computer-based approaches, in enhancing the speed of text entry for 108 students with learning disabilities. Handwriting was found to be the fastest mode of text entry, followed by word prediction. All methods improved writing accuracy. (Author/CR)

An information view of history is proposed. This would include the study of information and communication technologies as products of communal human labor. The late 19th-century United States is suggested as a critical period for innovation in modern information technologies. (Author)

Discusses five steps in creating a Web page: (1) preparing; (2) "prewriting" the pages; (3) drafting; (4) editing; and (5) publishing. Notes that Web pages entertain and persuade their audiences while providing valuable information on programs. (VWC)