Educators often fail to implement improved teaching systems because they lack a method of choosing among instructional alternatives. The Rand Coporation is developing for the Air Force a means--called Method of Designing Instructional Alternatives (MODIA)--whereby instructors can select a preferred instructional system. Using MODIA, one begins by…

This analysis of current and available information on the evaluation of vocational education and its policy implications includes a methodological appendix showing major studies of cost-effectiveness analysis, a critique of the various techniques employed in these studies, and an extensive bibliography of relevant source materials and related…

This booklet contains the material used at a planning session of the Citizens Advisory Committee of the superintendent of schools held in conjunction with the district's Title III project entitled, "Building a Comprehensive Planning System Model with EPPBS." The purpose of the material is to provide the educational decisionmakers with…

The suggested readings in this occasionally annotated bibliography concerning deliberate socialchange in the city are listed under five subject areas. These subject areas are as follows: I. The Scope of "Social Change"; II. Toward a Theory of Social Change; III. A. The Rational Problem Solving Process, B. Behavioral Approaches to Social Change;…

Describes two interactive computer programs that simulate abstract relationships and require students to use inductive reasoning, form and test hypotheses, and analyze functions of systems and the reasoning processes required to understand them. Their development and use in college philosophy of science courses is outlined, and possible future…

Describes British Library's work on Systems Dynamics, a set of techniques for building simulation models based on analysis of information feedback loops. Highlights include macro-simulation modelling activities of social science disciplines, systems analyses and models of information retrieval processes and library services, policy models, and…

Discusses the design and development of the user-computer interface in terms of the personal computer user's psychological needs and physical, perceptual, and conceptual contact with the system. Principles for the development of a user-system dialog that meets the requirements of transparency and visibility are suggested. Twenty-six references are…

Colleges, like corporations, spend millions each year on information technology products and services to support academic programs and administrative services. A good deal of these dollars were not part of institutional budgets not long ago. In this context, textbook economics suggest that colleges and universities should be "more productive"…

The essays in this collection represent the many ways in which the academic world is in flux. The collection suggests guidance for organizations and individual faculty, looks at decision-making structures, offers advice about empowering a faculty, and addresses the responsibilities of the academic in the current educational climate. The essays,…

Because California lacks a statewide teacher data system, serious gaps in the collection, use, and availability of teacher workforce data compromise efforts to plan and monitor the workforce at both the state and local levels, leaving policymakers and education officials with little in-depth understanding of the current shortage of qualified…

This paper presents thoughts resulting from review of proposals by state developmental disabilities authorities, submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, that were designs for change initiatives in self-determination systems. These reflections on the use of service money and the provision of supports to people with developmental…

Describes in six articles the status of the present family, and examines various aspects of family counseling including: dynamics of various family problems; ecological and strategic psychotherapy; impact of organizational systems on families; parental role in moral education; development of surrogate family systems; and counselor values. (RC)

Two years of homework resulted in approved funds for a major computer upgrade in a state institution. Discusses some major questions: academic need for three-campus community colleges, technical instructional needs, how larger computers can aid in the management and operation of the college, and agencies that might be served by new facility. (MLW)

A University of Florida College of Dentistry management system is described that uses a computer to assist in the matching of patients and dental students, the monitoring of patient care, and the tracking of student clinical progress in a teaching environment that emphasizes the comprehensive patient care approach. (Author/MLW)

The special features found in admitting students to diploma nursing programs in Ontario provide the context for a review of relevant information regarding admissions procedures. Criteria to be used in an evaluation of admissions procedures are offered, alternatives are delineated and discussed, and systems analyses for procedures are suggested.…