Search

Sophisticated computerized school information systems (SISs) will have to provide school-based information relevant to the development of policies in areas where schools used to merely follow governmental guidelines. The large-scale research project in England, reported in this article, goes some way toward filling gaps in the knowledge on the implementation, use and effects of computerized SISs. (Author/AEF)

Evaluated the early implementation of a central standardized school management system, the School Administration and Management System (SAMS), in Hong Kong (China). Data from 294 schools responding to a survey suggest that the requirements for the design and large-scale implementation of a successful information management system have not been met. (SLD)

Information technology (IT) can gives school students a better understanding of using and interpreting data and can allow students to carry out investigations themselves, according to a study carried out in England. Teachers emphasise that quality software is needed and standard connections are helpful. Information technology should be promoted in the school as a whole in order for the maximum benefit to be derived from teaching. Teachers should aim to ask probing questions without implying answers, and clear work sheets should be provided.

The long incubation period required to produce cultures in yoghurt means that such investigations have been avoided in school science lessons. However, yoghurt is commonly found in households and has a part to play in science laboratories. The growth of yoghurt culture and the use of datalogging to record results is described.

Scientific equipment can be designed using datalogging to produce computer-usable formats from the conversion of measurable variables. An experiment monitoring the growth of bread dough using equipment recommended in the Insight software package is presented.