Describes how to build a data warehouse, using the Schools Interoperability Framework (www.sifinfo.org), that supports data-driven decision making and complies with the Freedom of Information Act. Provides several suggestions for building and maintaining a data warehouse. (PKP)

Describes the Nebraska Library Commission's experiences with modem sharing on their local area network (LAN). Asynchronous communications servers (ACSs) are described, selecting software for an ACS is discussed, pricing and compatibility is considered, and two sidebars list network-compatible terminal software and companies that provide ACS…

When the Smithsonian Institution recently acquired a new financial management system, the concept of prototyping was used throughout the process, but in a broader sense than in software development. It was used to refine requirements, establish software management techniques, test a logistical system, and implement and apply the package. (MSE)

Presents criteria teachers can use when evaluating software designed to teach grammar to students of Italian-as-a-Second-Language. The importance of collaboration between programmers and academic experts is stressed in creating software and the need for teachers to choose software as carefully as they select textbooks. (CFM)

When tasked with selecting a Course Management System (CMS), the first step many responsible colleges, universities and consortia take is to name a selection committee of faculty, administration, students and possibly IT staff. They do some Web searching and talk to colleagues, friends and counterparts at other institutions. This same committee…

E-learning describes electronically delivered learning, using tools like web conferencing, web-based tutorials, message boards, online assessments, and more. The term e-learning includes self-paced learning; asynchronous facilitator-led learning, where the students and instructors interact at different times; and synchronous facilitator-led…

Given the recent spate of library system vendor acquisitions and consolidations, integrated library system (ILS) migrations have become a hot topic again. Although ILS migrations happen all the time, they tend to be cyclical in nature. Today, people are thinking broadly about what options might be available to them. These include changing vendors,…

This document reports on efforts to find technology-based solutions for the diverse challenges faced by students with disabling conditions. Twenty-three case studies describe actual scenarios experienced in the school district of Palm Beach County, Florida. For each case study, a situation is described, a challenge is identified, solutions are…

This article, written by a high school student, describes how he helped his school attain access to state-of-the-art technology and to the Internet. Topics include problems, security issues, teacher training, examples of student Internet projects, technical details of the school's computer system, and how the school encouraged this student's…

Presents an overview of interactive multimedia learning systems. Highlights include hardware platforms; authoring programs; benefits; cost savings; empowerment; multiple sensory learning; barriers to implementation; a strategy for the improvement of existing training programs; an evaluation checklist; and possible future developments. (Author/LRW)

Technology training must be understood within the context of lifelong learning for school personnel. A districtwide technology committee and an independent consulting group should develop a three-year technology plan that includes the hardware platform, software applications, technology training, and support components. Lists six educational…

Provides a checklist of concerns for libraries planning to implement shared research databases in a consortium environment, based on experiences at OhioLINK. Highlights include database selection criteria, licensing, pricing, funding, vendor considerations, database profiling, custom data processing, hardware selection, database access,…

Discussion of technology integration in higher education focuses on an information technology project in a seminary setting that created a campus computer network, trained faculty and library staff in computer technology use and provided appropriate hardware and software, and created an endowment to support technology maintenance and updating.…

Describes the role of the United Kingdom's National Council for Educational Technology to promote information technology (IT). Highlights include visions for the future; the role of senior managers and educators; evidence of the effectiveness of IT; special needs students; access to appropriate information; equipment considerations; and…

Presents points to consider when organizing a computer laboratory. These include the lab's overall objectives and how best to meet them; what type of students will use the lab; where the lab will be located; and what software and hardware can best meet the lab's overall objectives, population, and location requirements. Other factors include time,…