A split-sample replication criterion originally proposed by J. E. Overall and K. N. Magee (1992) as a stopping rule for hierarchical cluster analysis is applied to multiple data sets generated by sampling with replacement from an original simulated primary data set. An investigation of the validity of this bootstrap procedure was undertaken using…

Knowledge Management (KM) and knowledge sharing are important factors that support lifelong learning, and enable people to continue developing throughout their careers. The concept of a Community of Practice ( Wenger, 2000) is attractive in drawing together people whose work shares similar aspects, and consideration is given here to how technology…

A computer virus is a program--a piece of executable code--that has the unique ability to replicate. Like biological viruses, computer viruses can spread quickly and are often difficult to eradicate. They can attach themselves to just about any type of file, and are spread by replicating and being sent from one individual to another. Simply having…

The two models for group exams described here employ these exams as both a formative strategy for assessing student understanding of key course material and preparing students for further class activities and a summative strategy for evaluating student learning and assigning grades.

Tables for selecting sample size in correlation studies are presented. Some of the tables allow selection of sample size so that r (or r[squared], depending on the statistic the researcher plans to interpret) will be within a target interval around the population parameter with probability 0.95. The intervals are [plus or minus] 0.05, [plus or…

Directions for using a function called Mail Merge in Microsoft Office are mentioned. Using a spreadsheet and mail merge, allows one to create different assessments, complete with worked solutions, generate them on demand or save them for later use.

In this second part of a two-part interview with Clifford A. Lynch, Executive Director of the Coalition for Networked Information, Lynch talks to Hawkins about the most provocative and exciting projects that are being developed in the field of networked information worldwide. He also talks on how institutional repositories are being currently…

This article reports the highlights of the recently concluded Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference organized by California State University at Northridge. Attendees from more than 30 countries learned about services provided by the Social Security Administration, GeorgiaTech (CATEA), NISH, Computer/Electronic…

The proposed 2006 federal budget has been criticized by many in the education and technology communities for zeroing out the primary federal funding source for education technology: the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) state block-grant program. The author believes schools are better off without it. and gives reasons why. For many…

Classroom network requires every student to think actively, which enhances student participation in mathematics and science. Classroom-specific networks use software designed to enhance communication between teacher and students.

This article discusses six maxims by which to run library automation. The following maxims are discussed: (1) Solve only known problems; (2) Avoid changing data to fix display problems; (3) Aut viam inveniam aut faciam; (4) If you cannot make it yourself, buy something; (5) Kill the alligator closest to the boat; and (6) Just because yours is…

The last time this author wrote about open source (OS) software was in last September's 2004 issue of Computers in Libraries, which was devoted to making the most of what you have and do-it-yourself solutions. After the column appeared, she received an e-mail from David Dorman of Index Data, who believed that she had done OS products a disservice…

This article describes how the mail merge facility within Microsoft Word can be used in conjunction with Microsoft Excel to generate personalized assignments for students at all levels.

This article proposes that visual encoding learning improves reading fluency by widening the span over which letters are recognized from a fixated text image so that fewer fixations are needed to cover a text line. Encoder is a connectionist model that learns to convert images like the fixated text images human readers encode into the…

Extols the virtues of PowerPoint as a teaching aid yet cautions against inappropriate use of it which may cause students to learn very little. Explains a number of features of slide preparation and presentation techniques that enable teachers to give effective lessons. Includes examples of PowerPoint presentations. (Author/NB)