THE BIOLOGY COURSE OF THEODORE HIGH SCHOOL AT THEODORE, ALABAMA, WAS STUDIED AS A SYSTEM FOR "PROCESSING" STUDENTS AND WAS SIMULATED ON A COMPUTER. AN EXPERIMENTAL VERSION OF THE COURSE WAS SIMULATED AND COMPARED WITH THE ACTUAL COURSE. THE PURPOSES OF THIS STUDY WERE (1) TO EXAMINE THE CONCEPT OF INDIVIDUAL PROGRESS AS IT RELATED TO THE…

This document examines the policy issue of balance between the National Institute of Education's (NIE) role in directing research and development projects and that of field-initiated efforts in the educational R/D & I field. The issue is approached from a systems analysis view: NIE's mission (grouped into research, development,…

A description of the state of the art regarding Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Education Information, with special emphasis on computer assisted information, is provided. A survey of BIA Central Office was conducted to: determine the total scope of Education Information currently being reported; identify the methods being used in developing the…

This study was undertaken for the Center for Applied Linguistics to survey and analyze its information system program for the language sciences. The study identifies and defines the generalized sets of parameters required for subsequent quantitative analysis of proposed alternative Language Information Network and Clearinghouse Systems by means of…

The Computerized Decision Development System (DEDEV) is designed to foster decision-making competency in individuals through a two stage process: (1) providing information about scientific decision-making, and (2) providing experience with use of information in "meaty" problems by computerized gaming and simulation. This manual presents the 14…

In 1965, Robert Kennedy initiated federal evaluation policy with ESEA. His conception of political accountability was converted into a system of cost benefit analysis, which periodically justified funding curtailments. This systems approach, similar to Taylor's Scientific Management, is inadequate as the sole evaluation tool for federal programs.…

Discusses the relationship between effective organizational communication and specific library contexts and reviews the historical development of communication audits as a means of studying communication effectiveness. The generic structure of such audits is described and two models are presented in detail, including techniques for gathering and…

Argues that information management calls for development of an organizational strategy that encompasses users, information resources, and the available and appropriate technology. Discussion of factors involved includes the nature of information and information resources, variance in information usage, and guidelines for developing a strategy to…

A series of articles addresses issues concerning decision support and knowledge based systems. Topics covered include knowledge-based systems for information centers; object oriented systems; strategic information systems case studies; user perception; manipulation of certainty factors by individuals and expert systems; spreadsheet program use;…

Advocates systems analysis as a first step for documents librarians considering the use of computer based technology, outlines the necessary steps, and cites publications that provide practical instruction. The areas of bibliographic control, collection development and integration, and documents reference service are discussed. (CLB)

Describes METROPROB, a noncompetitive teaching game based on the theory of metropolitan locality-relevant problems and stressing their interactions. Discusses potential for teaching systemic analysis of urban problems and helping students think sociologically. (Author/CK)

Results of a comparative case study of four states (Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas) revealed the existence of identifiable sociopolitical systems (policy domains), at the state level, for determining teacher education standards. State systems for the governance of teacher education are described with regard to participants and how…

Argues that false assumptions about user needs implicit in methodologies for building information systems have resulted in inadequate and inflexible systems. Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology is examined as a useful alternative. Its fundamental features are described, and examples of models demonstrate how the methodology can facilitate…

Discusses the planning that is needed to effectively network school computers. Topics addressed include advantages of networking, including electronic mail, cost effectiveness, and time savings; use by students and teachers; wiring systems; network configurations; and use by library/media centers. (LRW)

Describes the implementation of a user-centered document delivery system at Colorado State University. Evaluates the system via a statistical compilation of system usage and a telephone survey of the service's users. Results indicate that the system usually provided fast delivery at acceptable costs, but fell short as a substitution for mediated…