Provides information on commercial connections to the Internet via gateways as opposed to direct connection or through a modem. Hardware and software requirements are described; and commercial online services offering an Internet gateway are discussed, including America Online, CompuServe, Delphi, GEnie, and Prodigy. (LRW)

Answers questions on software copyright pertaining to teacher/media specialist responsibilities, use of purchased and leased software, backup copies, public domain software, warranties, defective goods, and software lending policies. Information on an existing public domain software-exchange program and a policy statement of International Council…

Examines the current status and short-term future of computer software development in higher education. Topics discussed include educational advantages of software; current program development techniques, including object oriented programming; and market trends, including IBM versus Macintosh and multimedia programs. (LRW)

Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) officials who travelled to People's Republic of China present a first-hand view of China's interest in and use of educational technology. Discussion includes China's educational environment, nationwide education goals, microcomputer and computer software suppliers and educational…

Discusses ways to locate information on the Internet. Highlights include LISTSERVs; files to download, including text, graphics, software, sounds, and animations through Archie; locating files on a Gopher via Veronica; the World Wide Web; and electronic mail addresses. (LRW)

Presents the vision and accomplishments of Jan Jensen, of Jefferson County Public Schools, Colorado, who was selected as the first "National Library Media Specialist of the Year" by 3M and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Her suggestions for integrating technology into the curriculum and for winning…

Reviews trends in copyright law, including changes resulting from technological advances that include audio and video tape recordings, motion pictures, photocopying equipment, CD-ROM, and multimedia; amendments to the law, including administrative issues; compensation to authors of computer software programs; court cases; and a movement toward…

Summarizes findings of a project that reviewed eight commercial gradebook programs to determine range of features offered, e.g., menu and group organization, calculations and weighting of grades, error checking and correction, reports and printouts, documentation, and special options. Information on producer, hardware requirements, and cost is…

Describes the use of a barcode reader, rather than a computer, to control an interactive videodisc for presentations and self-paced tutorials. Highlights include hardware and software used; remote and direct communication; a HyperCard-based program to make barcodes; and converting an existing program. (LRW)

Describes the use of multimedia materials in education. Topics discussed include information management skills; the changing role of the instructor; hypermedia; the development of higher education software; HyperCard activities in higher education settings, including tutorials; and an example of an electronic classroom at the University of Toledo.…

Describes the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Program, designed to develop thinking skills and improve academic achievement for disadvantaged students in grades four through six by using computers. Highlights include curriculum development, teacher training, and the development of new approaches to existing software. (LRW)

Discussion of the use of microcomputers for developing tests for paper-and-pencil presentation compares two options: item-bank, or test-generator software, and word processing. Tests and test generators supplied by textbook publishers are described, cost effectiveness is considered, and possible future developments are suggested. (10 references)…

Evaluates four authoring systems used to develop computer aided interactive video: The Instructor, InfoWriter, IDeAS, and ProCAL2. The information provided includes hardware requirements, compatibility with videotape and/or videodisc, instructional options available, user data-management capabilities, procedures for logging tapes, and access for…

Discusses some of the complexities that educators must address if the potential of educational technology is to be realized. Topics include computers as tools; technology as a curriculum revitalization catalyst; teacher and administrator training; microcomputer limitations; computer literacy definition; computer education program evaluation;…

Educators who do not learn to use computers and the information highway in the classroom may be depriving themselves and their students of opportunities to access information and develop skills. This article describes how K-12 and higher education teachers should approach and use technology for management, collaboration, and conferencing. Software…