Designed for education leaders who seek to apply multimedia technology in schools, this guide addresses not only hardware and software matters, but also a wide range of related issues that schools face. Various facets of the topic are addressed in 12 papers presented under 8 broad headings: (1) Multimedia Technology (Racquel Skolnik and R. G.…

Many popular terms such as software description, software review, software evaluation and lastly software usability used by design, development and evaluation experts in the field. However, such terms used interchangeably by researchers and developers are syntactically and semantically different due to their conceptual backgrounds and the…

Shares teacher wisdom stories and advice about how to effectively use classroom computers for literacy instruction. Notes that student access to Internet-connected computers improved from 20 students per computer in 1998 to 5.6 students per computer in 2002. Discusses Internet use and software selection. (SG)

Discusses the problems associated with schools allowing access to the Internet and describes the technologies currently available to address filtering issues. Presents a proposed solution for the Greek School Network, including the creation of acceptable use policies and selecting appropriate software. (Author/LRW)

Provides advice on buying alumni-development software, focusing on getting the necessary buy-in from staff and superiors, assessing existing policies and procedures, developing a realistic budget, writing a thorough request for proposals (RFP), assessing RFPs objectively, watching the demo with skepticism, evaluating what is shown, checking…

Discusses content management software, which provides a platform for managing the creation, review, filtering, updating, distribution, and storage of structured and unstructured content. Topics include intranets and extranets; vendor selection; comparing vendor approaches; scoping studies; fees; project management; documentation; roll-out…

Offers criteria for choosing software for child care centers that are based on meeting the centers' needs. The factors of hardware capabilities, ease of learning, cost, and vendor assistance are discussed. A guide to software lists available applications, addresses of companies, and prices of programs. (SH)

Presents three ideas to help teachers who have only one computer for the entire classroom. The suggestions include having the teachers use the computer themselves to enhance productivity, hooking the computer up to a visual display, and looking for curriculum packages that inspire groups, not individuals. (SM)

New alternative models for selecting automated systems emphasize uniqueness of each institution, involve more staff, and do not rely on requests for proposals (RFPs). Vendor demonstrations are extremely important in the evaluation of system capabilities when RFPs are not used, and scripts prepared by institutions ensure that vendors focus on…

Given the recent spate of library system vendor acquisitions and consolidations, integrated library system (ILS) migrations have become a hot topic again. Although ILS migrations happen all the time, they tend to be cyclical in nature. Today, people are thinking broadly about what options might be available to them. These include changing vendors,…

This report proposes a strategy of putting networked computing devices into the hands of all students at institutions of higher education. It outlines the rationale for such a strategy, the options for financing, the required institutional support structure needed, and various implementation approaches. The report concludes that the resultant…

E-learning describes electronically delivered learning, using tools like web conferencing, web-based tutorials, message boards, online assessments, and more. The term e-learning includes self-paced learning; asynchronous facilitator-led learning, where the students and instructors interact at different times; and synchronous facilitator-led…

Many reference librarians still rely on manual searches to access vertical files, ready reference files, and other information stored in card files, drawers, and notebooks scattered around the reference department. Automated access to these materials via microcomputers using database management software may speed up the process. This study focuses…

Examines the following considerations for using computers in adult literacy instruction: why use computers; stand-alone versus integrated learning systems; training and supporting teachers in the use of interactive technologies; and outcomes of computer-assisted instruction. (SK)

Nine computer-assisted career guidance systems are assessed: the Career Information System; CHOICES; CHOICES for Adults; CHOICES Jr.; DISCOVER for Colleges and Adults, for High Schools, and for Junior High and Middle Schools; the Guidance Information System; and SIGI PLUS. Four detailed tables compare features in terms of career decision-making…