Discusses the development of a telecommunications program at Madonna College (Michigan). Using this program as a model, offers procedural guidelines on how other institutions can utilize local cable television systems for extended delivery of curricula. (JN)

In 1986, the Instructional Telecommunications Consortium was funded to collect data over a 3-year period on the utilization of telecourses as a way to offer college credit instruction to off-campus learners. First-year findings, based on course data submitted by 172 institutions, included the following: (1) 183 different telecourses were offered;…

Technologically mediated distance learning can enable school districts to meet the curricular needs of gifted children when neither student numbers nor the local tax base allows for traditional solutions. The issues of access, effectiveness, and encouragement of schools and teachers to use the technology are discussed, focusing on the situation in…

This evaluation report focuses on a broad range of issues associated with the work of the Electronic Text Consortium (consisting of San Diego State University, University of Wisconsin, University of Nebraska, and WGBH Boston), whose year-long task was to develop and test a variety of electronic text services and to assess which configurations of…

The programs described in this sourcebook of instructional and learning support activities in Canada that use communications technology in distance learning is based on the findings of a survey of Canadian universities and colleges, provincial departments of education, the telecommunications industry and organizations, professional associations,…

Describes the origins and operations of the Iowa Communications Network, an interactive distance learning program. Presents several examples of how the network can benefit music educators in college and K-12 institutions. Maintains that the system can be a model for similar distance music education networks. (CFR)

This packet of materials for a workshop on distance education for Chapter 1 programs provides a presenter's guide, which includes a script to be read with 18 overhead transparencies; masters for the transparencies; master copies for 12 handouts; and supplemental materials, i.e., copies of four articles and a glossary. Topics covered include…

This resource guide provides information on distance education options and offers a directory of programs at various institutions in the United States and Canada. Following a brief preface on the development of the guide, "New Models for Higher Education in Changing Times," by Don Doucette, discusses the nature of distance learning, the…

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…

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)

Describes the development of a network of 10 sites in Minnesota involving two-way interactive television systems. Discusses the instructional uses of the system, including its potential for use in community education. Outlines the efforts underway at three educational cooperatives which are using the system for instructional and administrative…

Designed primarily for use by potential users of telecourses produced by other institutions or production houses, this guide provides fundamental information on the design, use, and management of telecourses, and describes experiences of successful telecourse users. It is noted that this guide is also applicable to radio courses, and the…

Provides some cursory guidance on the mechanics of establishing and instructing in a virtual classroom. Briefly discusses the history and central issues of distance education, describes how to teach an online virtual seminar, and offers recommendations for future courses. Discusses such issues as instructor availability, directing discussions,…

The evaluation of instruction via distance learning at the high school and college level offers special challenges, particularly the evaluation of one-way video--two-way audio instructional programs. The role of the teacher is radically changed and teaching strategies and course design are particularly important in a distance leaning environment.…

A total of 155 educators in rural Kentucky participated in 4 inservice education sessions on learning disabilities and adaptive teaching, delivered via an interactive telecommunications network. Participants' reactions indicated that interactive television was an acceptable format for delivery of inservice education. (Author/JDD)