This fact sheet offers basic instructions on connecting to the ERIC database for individuals who own or have access to a microcomputer and are familiar with ERIC and how to search it through a database terminal. Software, hardware, and telephone line components necesary to make a microcomputer act as a database terminal are outlined. The…

Electronic network systems, their components--terminal, microcomputer, or communications word processor; telephone, and modem (modulator-demodulator)--and their applications are explained for educators in this digest. Emphasis is on the characteristics and capabilities of: (1) electronic mail, which allows the transmission and reception of…

This digest outlines salient characteristics of teacher-led research and its benefits to teachers and students. A discussion of selected resources for teacher researchers, which are available through various components of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), follows the overview. Effective teacher research is an empowering…

The rapidly developing communications technologies (CT) have the potential to deliver education to more learners in more satisfactory ways. CT may overcome barriers to student participation in adult education, enable career educators to provide a higher level of career guidance to greater numbers, and facilitate currency in vocational preparation.…

This digest reviews the promise and drawbacks of computerized learning programs and telecommunication technologies for small rural schools. A critical feature of programmed learning packages can be their stand-alone feature. To the extent that such programs do not require the presence or involvement of a trained on-site teacher, they make it…

This ERIC Digest discusses relevant issues and alternatives for rural school districts trying to develop strong programs for their most academically talented students. Although rural schools are more often constrained by high costs and material shortages than are urban schools, there are opportunities inherent in the lower teacher-student ratios…

In order to identify and document the pervasive trends in the field of educational technology, an elaborate content review of the professional literature was performed. Literature examined included journals, conference proceedings, ERIC Resources in Education (RIE) documents, annuals and yearbooks, and dissertations. The trends that were…

In June 1994, the Texas Center for Educational Technology (TCET) posted a survey on several educational listservs and conference groups on the Internet requesting comments, observations, and opinions from educators having experience with telephones in classrooms. Most of the respondents agreed on the need to equip K-12 classrooms with modern…

Major technological changes are occurring primarily in three fields: telecommunications, computer applications, and advanced manufacturing technology. High technology is having a great impact on every aspect of the labor market. Most new jobs will not be in the high technology field, however, and the newly created occupations will not require a…