Using Microcomputers In School Administration

Using Microcomputers in School Administration

This "fastback" outlines the steps to take in computerizing school administration. After an introduction that lists the potential benefits of microcomputers in administrative offices, the booklet begins by delineating a three-step process for establishing an administrative computer system: (1) creating a district-level committee of administrators, counselors, librarians, special education teachers, at least one computer expert, and other end-users to identify school administrative functions best suited for computerization; (2) to locate appropriate computer software to accomplish the administrative tasks that have been identified; and (3) to select the hardware that will run the software that has been chosen. The second chapter, selecting software, discusses stand-alone versus integrated programs, disk operating systems, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, accounting, data analysis and graphics, and special applications. The third chapter, selecting hardware, discusses 8-bit machines, 16-bit machines, computer power, peripheral devices, and vendors. The final chapter addresses the problem of getting started and discusses consultants, establishing priorities, staff training, and the logistics of transferring to a computerized system. (TE)

Microcomputers in School Administration

Microcomputers in School Administration