Designed to aid local educators as they formulate plans to use distance learning as a strategy for providing effective educational experiences, this resource guide provides an introduction to telecommunication-based distance education technologies and guidelines for their implementation. The first of six sections discusses the rationale for…

The development of interactive television instruction for distant learners involves nine sequential steps such as gaining attention, eliciting performance, and enhancing retention and transfer. Visual materials should be used to maintain interest and illustrate key concepts and relationships, and appropriate interactive techniques should be used…

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,…

The creation of the Virginia Tech Teleport Facility and the installation of a nine-meter (diameter) C-Band satellite uplink antenna provided the initial impetus for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service (VCES) to explore the use of satellite technology for information and program delivery. The $600,000 uplink became operational in September…

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…

Small and rural schools can use the new technologies of distance education to broaden curricular offerings while facing low student enrollments and increased costs. Courses offered via audio teleconferencing permit live teacher/student interaction and often use videotape as well as two-way audio components. Programs from the University of…

Three telecourse programs offering high school credit courses via interactive satellite communication are described and evaluated. German by Satellite and Physics by Satellite from Oklahoma State University feature biweekly 40-minute broadcasts with audio interaction via regular telephone lines and microcomputer voice recognition software at…

This guide was developed to help administrators and educators plan and implement videoconferences and credit courses using the Iowa State University studios (WOI). In a short narrative format, the guide leads the reader through the videoconference or course process. The guide is organized in three sections. The first section presents an overview…

Technological delivery systems currently available or in use are examined for adaptability by rural schools, especially high schools faced with increasing demands to expand curriculum. This report focuses on the Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory's (McREL's) service area of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South…

Many administrators are meeting specific instructional needs of their students without always or solely relying on classroom teachers by utilizing distance education, i.e., instruction that takes place while the learner is physically distant from the instructor and/or the materials. Distance education is particularly appropriate in rural and small…

Several of the problems typically associated with efforts to extend higher education opportunities to rural communities--including small class size, lack of qualified instructors, and maintenance of quality standards--are successfully addressed by an audio conference network. Students in remote locations can participate in classes offered through…

Discusses instruction that occurs at a point distant from the location of the learner(s) with an interactive video and/or visual component. Stresses the need for developing such instructional capabilities for schools, businesses, and industries. Describes audio-graphic teleconferencing, microwave transmission, instructional television fixed…

Many schools across the United States have been using distance learning technologies to help them meet new state-mandated curriculum requirements. Distance learning refers to the live, simultaneous transmission of a master teacher's lessons from a host classroom or studio to receive site classrooms in distant locations. Schools with the most to…

This paper summarizes the 16 projects that have been funded by the Minnesota Extension Service to demonstrate innovative and effective uses of technology in adult education. Several of the projects are described in detail. Actual and anticipated impacts are examined, and suggested strategies that others can apply to reach and empower rural adult…