Appropriate software can turn the microcomputer from the dumb box into a teaching tool. One resource for finding appropriate software is the organization Edunet. It allows the user to access the mainframe of 18 major universities and has developed a communications network with 130 colleges. It also handles billing, does periodic software…

This publication, which consists of selected readings from volumes 1-5 of The American Journal of Distance Education, is designed for corporate and military trainers who want research-grounded materials that can be used in programs that train trainers. The 12 articles, whose authors come from the army, navy, and airforce, from universities and…

Describes a regional forum on "distance learning" (including telephone, radio or television, and downloading computer software from a central location) that was sponsored by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. (TE)

This book is designed to assist educators' exploration of the Internet and educational resources available online. An overview lists the five basic types of information exchange possible on the Internet, and outlines five corresponding telecomputing options. The book contains an overview and four sections. The chapters in Section One,…

Describes 10 educational functions of computer conferencing for undergraduate and graduate students based on the CoSy system at the University of Guelph. Influences on student behavior are examined, the importance of adequate training is stressed, and guidelines for the use of conferencing are given, including use in distance education.…

An advanced placement calculus program is described that incorporates IBM personal computers, conference telephone connections, modems that transmit computer signals over the phone lines, OPTEL graphics that allow the users to "write" on their computer screens, and a sophisticated package of calculus software used for homework…

Describes efforts underway at Pennsylvania State University to link branch campuses using compressed videoconferencing. Discusses the plans for using this technology for a variety of administrative and instructional purposes. Outlines the costs associated with developing such a system. (TW)

Explains the videotex technology and its current uses in business, banking, news, and entertainment. Describes a project underway at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in which the potential of using videotex in education is being explored. Provides examples of videotex use in indepentent study, courses, and home study. (TW)

Argues that promoters and opponents of online education are mistaken. Although technology can be used to enhance the college curriculum, it is useful mainly for such efforts as low-tech, labor-intensive writing instruction. It cannot replace the advantages of face-to-face instruction but should be developed to meet practical instructional needs…

This project sought to explore the educational potential of three models of a University of Indiana computer conferencing technology in facilitating collaborative learning and enhancing social interaction in instructional contexts that provide limited face-to-face contact among the students. The study examined each of the three models of computer…

The state-of-the-art of three technological capabilities (i.e., audio, computer, and video) is discussed and descriptions of some interesting applications in rural and small schools are provided. Audio and audiographic technologies discussed include radio and telephone as well as voice-grade telephone lines which facilitate transmission of visual…

Discussion of programs for analyzing the writing of students using word processors focuses on six categories of available software that can help to improve students' writing skills: error checkers, reformatters, audience awareness programs (including reader's needs and readability formulas), student conferencing utilities, grading utilities, and…

This book provides an illustrated introduction to a wide range of learning technologies from multimedia PCs to the Internet and the World Wide Web. The book covers choosing a computer, creating images for Web pages, making OHP slides, using desktop video conferencing. The book contains activities, case studies and notes, and provides advice on:…

The staff of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Lansing Community College (LCC), in Michigan, has developed a unique combination of techniques for course support. These techniques have been incorporated into an 11-week course, "Introduction to Computers," which meets for 4 hours of lecture each week, and provides hands-on…

Examines the education/methodological aspects of DeskTop Conferencing (DTC) used in classroom learning, adult distance education, and inservice training. Describes a project involving Italian primary and secondary schools aimed at collaboratively producing a hypermedia package using DTC. Lists guidelines for organizing multimedia conferencing in…