In the last 10 years, an approach to electronic distance education called audiographic computerized telelearning using standard telephone lines has come to the fore. Telelearning is a cost-effective system which optimizes existing computer facilities and creates a teaching-learning environment that is interactive, efficient, and adaptable to a…

This is the last of four reports of the Interactive Group Modeling project--an undertaking designed to extend group communication through computers to support the more task-focused communication required by those building computer models. The report focuses on the HUB system--a system that facilitates communication in four modes: computer…

Most distance-education programs involve getting students in small, rural schools, or schools with limited resources, hooked up with teachers in large districts or in community colleges and universities. Schools need to keep a close eye on possible implementation problems and document results. Sidebars list six suggestions for distance teachers…

Current approaches to distance education in elementary and secondary schools are summarized in this review of the literature, which was conducted to identify distance education programs at the K-12 level, together with any associated evaluation or research findings, and discover implications of these findings for future developments in this area.…

This paper summarizes the experience of several pre-college telecommunications projects, with special emphasis on those administered by TERC, including an in-depth account of the evaluation findings in the largest project, TERC Star Schools. It begins by discussing networks and educational change in the context of changing teaching approaches and…

This paper examines the use of telecommunications in rural schools in the United States as a solution to the problems teachers face when they have small classes, five or six class preparations daily, extracurricular duties, and inadequate training for specific classes. Telecommunications in schools in Minnesota and Kansas and a Star Schools Model…

This discussion of the measurement of performance criteria and desired or acceptable level of achievement focuses on the performance criteria used for the evaluation of interlibrary services (success rate, turnaround time, cost, and impact of service). Document delivery, communication, and interlibrary loan research are covered. Fifty references…

This technology survey provides an overview of the educational technology options specifically available in the distance education and open learning arena. It examines technological options and their delivery modes in the context of each application. For each option, a definition is provided. Costs are estimated for each application; and…

This paper addresses the role of distance education as a means for increasing curricular offerings of small and rural secondary schools. Treating distance education as a "technology" risks repeating the same cycle of false hopes and expectations that has historically accompanied the introduction of technology into education. Instead,…

This consolidation study concentrates on major questions about effectiveness of online delivery of education and training in Australia through the literature that describes effects of these new forms of delivery on the learner/user and provider/practitioner. Chapter 1 focuses on sources of data used in the literature review, defines online…