Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify and clarify the effective utilization of the computer for the management and dissemination of information by the educational information specialist during two projected time periods, from 0-5 years and 10-20 years, and to prioritize these findings based upon consensus for identification of highest ranked utilizations. A Delphic study was conducted. A panel was selected and 19 experts in the field of educational public relations participated in the study. Round One of the study identified up to ten ways each panel member could utilize the computer during each of the two time periods. In Round Two, the respondents were requested to rank the 92 functions identified in the first round for each of the two time spans. A four point scale, from 4-very important (high priority) to 1-unimportant (low priority), was used. At that point, the mode (consensus) was determined for each function. In Round Three, the panel members re-evaluated and reviewed their opinions in light of the results of Round Two. A minority report was requested when the respondent chose to maintain a deviating opinion in order to express the rationale for their opinion. Data developed by the Delphic process, coupled with an examination of the literature, was employed to draw conclusions from this study. These conclusions included: a lack of current computer applications; an under-estimation of the potential of the computer for the future, a perception of the computer as only an information gathering tool, demonstration of low confidence in the ability of the computer to generate new information, a void in the understanding of mass media utilizations of computers adaptable to educational public relations, an unawareness of the scope of publishing via computer, and public and professional computer xenophobia. In addition, ten recommendations were offered for consideration for both the immediate and not too distant future. The final portion of the study provided six implications for further areas of research relative to the topic of the study.
Schoolar, Steve Sherma (1984). A delphic study projecting the impact of computer utilization for the dissemination of information by school public relations specialists. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -588349.