The development and testing of the effectiveness of a model for the identification of information needs in program evaluation are discussed. More than 200 subcategories of information needs were divided into three major categories: history, conception, planning and development of the program; operation--the ongoing processes of the program; and…

Use of online bibliographic databases as ready-reference sources was evaluated in five-month study at three reference areas in University of Arizona Library. Equipment and training requirements were analyzed, and statistics were collected on databases searched, costs per search, question type, and patron and staff reactions. Ready-reference…

Two reports discuss pilot projects using the Computer Assisted Distance Education Telecommunication Project (CADET) in Edmonton, Alberta. The first describes two studies that investigated the feasibility of telephone communication between two or more microcomputer (Apple) operators using an Amdahl mainframe computer as an intermediary. The results…

The feasibility of introducing a university training program for adult education in Hong Kong was investigated. A system approach to needs assessment was developed based on six steps: (1) identify problems based on needs, (2) determine a solution and identify alternatives, (3) select solution strategies from among alternatives, (4) develop the…

This report summarizes the results of a 22-month proof-of-concept demonstration of a class of interactive videodisc systems, which involved the use of an intelligent videodisc in developmental biology instruction at the undergraduate level. The study involved the development of hardware, software, courseware, and instructional strategies for…

The history of veterinary homeopathy, its future and implications are discussed. The need for investigation into the validity of both allopathic and homeopathic claims is stressed and it is suggested that maintenance of quality is the key factor in any approach. (BH)

Reports are given on activities of the Scottish Council for Research in Education. Included are the Chairman's Report and those of the Finance and General Purpose Committee, Communications Committee, and the Research Committee. Summaries are presented of research projects involving: (1) primary school teaching strategies; (2) students' awareness…

The literature on incentive early retirement for faculty members is reviewed, including the findings of studies that have assessed the effectiveness of such programs. In addition to describing different types of programs and the incentives offered, attention is directed to legal issues, costs and benefits, assessing whether a program is feasible,…

As a result of a study by the California Postsecondary Education Commission on the feasibility of extending secondary school-community college articulated career programs to the baccalaureate degree level, the 1988-89 state budget provided $410,000 to support the development of a 3-year 2 + 2 + 2 pilot program. In November 1988, 18 projects were…

This report describes the development and psychometric qualities of a new instrument to assess clinical teaching effectiveness in medical education. The strength of the instrument is seen to lie in the qualitative development process involving iterative checking with key stakeholders; its high reliability, validity, and feasibility; and its ease…

A project at the University of Witwatersrand examined the implications of introducing a centrally controlled system of computer-based learning in which 13 university departments utilized PLATO to supplement teaching programs and encourage computer literacy. Department project descriptions and project evaluations (which reported positive student…

Ways to initiate or improve allied health education activities are discussed to assist faculty and administrators in colleges or universities that enroll significant numbers of minority students. The information was developed as part of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' (AASCU) Minority Allied Health Project, which…

This paper proposes a rationale and a plan for using on-line data base retrieval services to provide bibliographies tailored to the information needs of college students enrolled in academic courses. It examines the possible applications of such a service, estimates costs per class and per user, and outlines the objectives, evaluation procedures,…

This final report describes results of a planning grant for the "Flashlight" project, an effort to develop, test, and disseminate evaluation procedures that a postsecondary institution or department could use to periodically assess its evolving educational strategies, in particular strategies supported by use of computing, video, and…

A study was conducted from March 1976 through June 1980 on the application and feasibility of a computer micro-system as an interactive tutorial instructional tool in a self-contained classroom. Literature on computer assisted instruction (CAI), hardware, and software was examined. Individualized CAI materials for industrial arts and technology…