School business officials can strike a balance between setting a long-term strategy and responding to short-term situations by implementing time management strategies. This article presents tips for time management that could help boost productivity and save time in this digital era. Tips include decreasing meeting times via Skype or…

School business managers are in the unique position of supervising the areas of the operation that present the greatest opportunities for legal issues to arise. New construction and renovation projects are strewn with legal land mines. The possibility of lawsuits hovers like a black cloud over personnel issues. Opportunities for transportation or…

Social networking sites are those Websites that allow for a variety of social interactions with friends and family. Literally hundreds of social sites exist, but those most frequently used are Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Linkedln. These sites are most commonly used by 20-somethings to folks in their mid-40s. In this article, the author…

The 12 biggest pitfalls in technology administration are school officials' failure to plan, structure a decision-making process, define roles and responsibilities, understand technical requirements, acquire and maintain technology systems properly, provide adequate staff, consider alternative service delivery options, manage projects effectively,…

Outlines the factors in hardware, software, and administration to consider in developing specifications for choosing a computer operating system. Compares Microsoft Windows 95/NT that runs on PC/Intel-based systems and System 7.5 that runs on the Apple-based systems. Lists reasons why the Microsoft platform clearly stands above the Apple platform.…

Describes the use of video surveillance for school security, includes when to use video cameras, the features of video cameras, reasons not to use video surveillance, and legal issues. (PKP)

The data contained on desktop computer systems and networks pose security issues for virtually every district. Sensitive information can be protected by educating users, altering the physical layout, using password protection, designating access levels, backing up data, reformatting floppy disks, using antivirus software, and installing encryption…

Briefly describes four different electronic learning options available from the private sector: Off-the-shelf courseware, authoring tools and learning content management systems, virtual classrooms, and custom content. (PKP)

Describes process of selecting digital imaging software that is user-friendly and needs-appropriate. Includes a table listing the names, prices, and contact information (websites and 800 numbers) of nine digital software packages, including a summary of their major features. (PKP)

Discusses the use of walk-through metal detectors to improve school safety. (PKP)

Describes school board policy issues related to the content, credit, and cost of online learning. (PKP)

Reviews federal copyright laws protecting computer software and what school districts must do to be in compliance with the law. (PKP)

Describes the layout and elements of an effective school computer lab. Includes configuration, storage spaces, cabling and electrical requirements, lighting, furniture, and computer hardware and peripherals. (PKP)

Internet II will take three to five years to develop, will be 1,000 times faster than Internet I, and will cost at least $500 million. Key developers are universities, several federal agencies, and leading computer and telecommunications firms. Internet II will support face-to-face communications technology to facilitate "real-time" networking.…

Planning and implementing a website requires the participation of most school or district departments. There are four phases: planning and information gathering (pertaining to audience, cost estimation, purpose, content, and scope); design and layout considerations; construction and implementation; and final integration (involving policy and legal…