A computer-based group decision support system (GDSS) to increase collaborative group productivity and creativity is explained. Various roles for the computer are identified, and implementation of GDSS systems at the University of Mississippi and International Business Machines are described. The GDSS is seen as fostering productivity through…

A program using interactive software based on repertory grid techniques was used to monitor progress of first-year nursing students at the University of London, to learn student reactions to courses and illuminate individual difficulties and concerns. The approach is found to provide useful information to course providers and evaluators.…

FARM Cheque is a system that integrates technical and farm management advice to provide detailed accounting information to farmers. The program has recordkeeping, software, advisory, and database components. (SK)

This article discusses studies supporting the use of computer-managed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and potential deterrents using such software, and summarizes software evaluation criteria. A checklist/rating scale is presented and applied to two software programs: the "Talley Goals and Objectives Writer" and "IEPs…

When Canadian institutions would not provide courses for the Canim Lake (British Columbia) Band of the Shuswap Indians, Gonzaga University (Washington), 500 miles away, began a program of classes held on the reservation, linkage with the main campus by computer, and an on-campus summer session that entire families attended. (MSE)

Colleges and universities must find a way to streamline and integrate information management processes across the organization. The Georgia Institute of Technology responded to an acute problem of dissimilar operating systems with a campus-wide integrated administrative system using a machine independent relational database management system. (MSE)

Asserts that educators should help students to make the transition to the real world of desktop publishing (DTP) as smooth as possible by presenting DTP concepts in the classroom. Offers seven principles of page design and a classroom exercise on DTP. Reviews several word processing programs that include DTP functions. (PRA)

Several scientific organizations are ready to distribute refereed science periodicals aimed at wide audiences over computer networks. If the experiments succeed, they may stimulate a major shift in the nature of scholarly communication. Some are concerned about the quality of the journals, their reputation, apparent transience of computerized…

The purpose of education through the ages has been to open up paths to freedom, yet the educational community has embraced technology--specifically computer technology--as the definitive and only mandate for teaching and learning as a result of emphasis on technique. Compares computer technology to a totalitarian regime which controls rather than…

Argues that schools always educate for meaning and morality, even when their avowed purpose is to teach only know-how to perform well in a job. There is a hidden but powerful curriculum that treats technology as the sacred source of meaning and that promotes a new technological morality, which has led to techno-holism. Contains 25 footnotes. (PVD)

Database Tomography (DT) is a textual database-analysis system consisting of algorithms for extracting multiword phrase frequencies and proximities from a large textual database, to augment interpretative capabilities of the expert human analyst. Describes use of the DT process, supplemented by literature bibliometric analyses, to derive technical…

Describes a centralized program facility called "UWired," at the University of Washington, as a center for teaching and learning with technology. Suggests that educators need to pay attention to electronic links being forged within the university community and to counter the hype of hardware and software developers promising to provide…

The design of five experiments comparing usability evaluation methods (UEMs) is examined. Each has had an important influence on human-computer interaction (HCI); however, problems with experimental design raised questions as to the efficacy of various UEMs. To obtain desired outcomes of the experimental method addressing HCI issues, close…

Analyzes the structure of the library market for scientific and technical (ST) serials. Describes an exercise aimed at a theoretical reconstruction of the ST-serials holdings of Louisiana State University (LSU) Libraries. Discusses the set definitions, measures, and algorithms necessary in the design of a computer program to appraise ST serials.…

Discusses issues addressed at the Museums and the Web '99 conference (New Orleans, Louisiana, March 11-14, 1999). Highlights include how interaction with the virtual conditions views of the world; shared experiences of being online; virtual objects; new metaphors for seeking, finding and using information; evaluating creations; reconstructing; and…