Describes how colleges, frustrated by students who use the Internet to plagiarize, are going online to enable professors to fight back. Explains that plagiarism-detection software, available for several years, is increasing in use. (EV)

Reviewed aspects of the SIBTEST procedure through three studies. Study 1 examined the effects of item format using 40 mathematics items from the Scholastic Assessment Test. Study 2 considered the effects of a problem type factor and its interaction with item format for eight items, and study 3 evaluated the degree to which factors varied in the…

A survey of sports scientists in the United Kingdom was carried out to identify the extent and nature of uses for computers, such as hardware, software, availability, support mechanisms, and problem areas. Over 40% of those surveyed use computers for teaching and research, especially in exercise science, and most software used was commercial in…

Soap films can exhibit sudden changes analogous to phase transitions, and these changes can be animated using the software package Mathematica. In this way students can be introduced to phase changes earlier than usual. Soap films provide excellent examples of patterning that arises from simple balancing of forces and minimizing of energy.…

The effects of different degrees of smoothing on results of equipercentile equating in random groups design using a postsmoothing method based on cubic splines were investigated, and a computer-based procedure was introduced for selecting a desirable degree of smoothing. Results suggest that no particular degree of smoothing was always optimal.…

"Play" with computer applications is form of self-directed, experiential learning. This learning results in improved mental models of applications; application use for work tasks further refines the models. Application play may benefit organizations that invest considerable resources in technology training. (SK)

Offers information for student photojournalists describing how to work with photographs, scanners, software, and digital information to reduce and enlarge photographs for page layouts to achieve clear, precise images. Notes definitions and formulas. Includes two exercises to teach and practice these principles. (SR)

Describes the use of personal firewall software to help schools ward off computer hackers. Several firewall software options are highlighted. (GR)

Discusses computer software that can help school maintenance department cut their costs. The use of a maintenance management system is examined along with examples of how these systems can actually operating costs. (GR)

Data from 56 employees before and after training were collected, stored, and collated in a computerized evaluation system. Results suggest that learning takes place within complex social systems with multiple influential variables. Evaluation strategies should incorporate organizational variables and both qualitative and quantitative measures. (SK)

Describes visualization tools such as VRML, Tool Command Language, iPIX, QuickTIme, and Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language, which are increasingly used in manufacturing. Discusses their uses in technology education. (SK)

Examines the role of microfilm in storing information to eliminate digital obsolescence. Discusses the benefits of digital-to-analog microfilm systems; changes in conventional microfilm technology; and the advantages of true hybrid imaging systems that allow retrieval of images from document microfilm, digitally created microfilm or paper scanners…

Describes how Miami University successfully developed an accounting software package that tracked and recorded their utility usage, including examples of its graphics and reporting components. Background information examining the decision to pursue an energy management software package is included. (GR)

Explains how computerizing the custodial department can be achieved through bar coding, hand-held readers, and the appropriate software packages. Software programs that aid cleaning management, track assets, and manage stock are discussed. (GR)

Small computers are emerging as important components of the contemporary computing scene. Their operating systems vary from specialized software for an embedded system to the same style of OS used on a generic desktop or server computer. This article describes a course in which systems are classified by their hardware capability and the…