Introduces the other articles in this special issue, which addresses the economics of education, by providing a concise summary of each. (BJV)

Considers the value and success of computer based marketing simulations from the standpoint of both instructors and participants. Distinctions are drawn between simulations and games; applications in higher education in the United Kingdom are described; future possibilities are suggested; and hidden costs in adopting new innovations are examined.…

Evaluates the use of computerized tutorial support for elementary statistics instruction in five education and social work courses, both graduate and undergraduate. Pretests and posttests used to measure student attitudes toward statistics and toward computers are described, and preferred learning environments before and after the course are…

The financial challenges facing higher education, recent trends in information technology that affect institution directions, the need for shared visions, plans, and professional leadership for campus technology, and the importance of information center support are reviewed. A wide range of benefits colleges and universities are realizing in…

Examines major cost-effectiveness proposals, describing developments that highlight concerns over making schools cost effective. The article discusses ways to blend the concerns of educational quality, equity, and costs (district consolidations, shared service and facilities arrangements, new accountability strategies, new information systems,…

This article looks at increased use of technology in college instruction, and administration and technology's role in a transformed system in which faculty members become facilitators of student learning and the personalized learning plan is central. Administrative use of computers is described for student systems, business systems, recruiting,…

Many faculty are skeptical about applying digital technology to teaching and learning. Discussion includes interactive instruction and student responsibility for learning, cost effectiveness, the potential for enriching curriculum, helping students reason and learn, applying instructional design more effectively, and connecting departments and…

Analyzes annual medical expenditures for childhood (conception through age 18 years). A decline in the relative share of children's medical expenditures means that their health care will become more affordable compared to other groups. The least budget impact will result from expanding insurance coverage for 3- to 12-year-old children. (SLD)

Summarizes the private health insurance market, focusing on recent trends. Efforts should be made to preserve the current private health insurance system through comprehensive reforms that reduce cost and shift from public programs; control costs by competition, managed care, and global spending limits; and guarantee coverage for all groups. (SLD)

Three themes of change in school planning are the future school, outsourcing, and the reconstruction of existing facilities to accommodate technological and philosophical potential. Describes the technology and the house concept at a middle school and renovations at an elementary school. (MLF)

Provides an overview of the North American Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and Document Delivery Project that was initiated by the Association of Research Libraries to facilitate the delivery of materials to users at manageable costs. Highlights include vendors; management and financial software; standards; library policies; organizational and service…

Discusses student tracking system development in terms of purposes, audience, organizational issues, and data utilization. Considers benefits (e.g., facilitates reporting behavioral outcomes, and illuminates the complementary/conflicting nature of college services) and costs (e.g., direct costs for computer programing, postage, printing, etc., and…

A study applied a human capital model to statistics on part-time adult college/university students in the United Kingdom and finding that part-time students account for approximately 40% of total student numbers of whom 42% are female and that part-time study is of significant benefit to both individuals and society. (Author/MSE)

Describes how instructional television and other existing videos can be repurposed to develop theory-based interactive videodiscs. Barriers to videodisc use in education are discussed; and two models are described that integrate curriculum theory and cognitive learning theory in the creation of social studies and foreign language curriculum…

The test security policies and practices of state departments of education were investigated in a survey responded to by 46 states for 1989-90. The most detailed test security procedures have been implemented when test stakes are highest. Complex procedures are only considered cost effective in large-scale programs. (SLD)