Use of evaluation findings is a valued outcome for most evaluators. However, to optimize use, the findings need to be disseminated to potential users in formats that facilitate use of the information. This reflective case narrative uses a national evaluation of a multisite National Science Foundation (NSF) program as the setting for describing the…

Background: Telemedicine, the provision of healthcare at a distance via telecommunication technology, has been used to address a wide range of health concerns in a variety of settings. Given the challenges schools face in keeping students healthy, telemedicine could be viewed as a mechanism to provide healthcare services directly to students in…

Online learning is transcending from the text-rich educational experience of the past to a video- and audio-rich learning transformation. The greater levels of media-rich content and media-rich interaction that are currently prevalent in online leisure experiences will help to increase e-learning's future efficiency and effectiveness. "Enhancing…

The personal experiences of a "noncomputernic" with computer conferencing for educational research, conducting professional association business, and consulting activities are described in this paper. Problems and possibilities of computer conferencing are identified and discussed based on experiences with: (1) CompuServe; (2) the…

Describes the three most active computerized discussion forums available to educational researchers on BITNET: the Educational Research List (ERL-L), the Education Policy Analysis List (EDPOLYAN), and the Educational Technology List (EDTECH). Lists nine other BITNET discussion groups of related interest. Addresses and access information are…

Discusses the conceptual roots of computer-mediated collaboration in real-time networks and the software environments that currently support these networks. Examines the informal and formal electronic-mail networks in the United Kingdom. Speculates on future developments for this emerging technology. (JJK)

Presents a critical analysis of research explaining dropout in distance education, and suggests the direction of future studies needed to form new theories regarding dropout. Highlights include discussions of mediated communication, audio teleconferencing, and problems with current research methodology and conceptual models. (LRW)

This guide was created to accompany workshops on learning to use electronic networks. It is less than a complete introduction to networks, but is a good tool for those learning to use them. An introduction defines networks, discusses the most important of them, and provides other useful concepts. Understanding and using electronic mail are…

A study was conducted of the use of a computer teleconferencing system developed by Participation Systems Inc. (nicknamed PARTI) as enhancement for two independent study credit courses in the behavioral sciences, Introduction to Effective Communication and Introductory Psychology. An earlier study in the spring and summer of 1983 had tested the…

This document describes the development of computer conferencing (CC) and its role within information service communities, particularly in Finland and Sweden. CC is defined as a computer-based messaging (CBM) system providing an asynchronous communications structure for group work. It is noted that CC differs from electronic mail and that CC…

The Center for Distance Learning of Empire State College (New York) is piloting online study by offering a course in contemporary American diplomacy entirely through the use of computer conferencing and electronic mail. The computer is used to create a learning environment where course participants can interact with each other and with the…

Asynchronous computer-based conferencing offers several unique capabilities as a medium. Participants can read and write messages at whatever time is convenient for them, groups can interact even though participants are geographically separated, and messages are available to readers almost instantly. Because the medium has served for over a decade…

Discusses the satisfaction of participants with videoconferencing when improved eye contact is incorporated into a system design. The Gazecam system is described, a study of 60 undergraduate students using the system is reported, and the need for communication researchers' involvement in the design process is considered. (Author/LRW)

This study focused on the use of television by the College of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina in meeting the preservice and continuing education needs of information professionals in the state. Following a general introduction, which discusses the use of technology in both librarianship and higher education,…

This exploratory study developed instructional materials designed to maximize learning through individual and group interaction and used the materials to examine the effectiveness of a teleseminar approach for interactive distance presentations. In this teleseminar model, duplicate sets of overhead transparencies with overlays and other materials…