This discussion of increased computer usage at Santa Clara University focuses on results of a questionnaire sent to faculty and staff to determine personal computer usage. Attitudes towards support and training, electronic communications, and information sharing are discussed, and the establishment of the Personal Computer Center is described.…

A survey of 2,000 rural residents in 6 states (36% response) found that 56% used answering machines, 48% fax machines, 46% personal computers, 27% cell phones, and 25% modems. Higher use was associated with higher income and education. Distance from the nearest metropolitan statistical area increased use. A large majority believed…

A study explored the social uses of computer-mediated communication, identifying primary users and amounts of time spent using two related systems. Interviews and observations of computer users suggest that a large, socially active computing subculture is based at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus. It was hypothesized that members of…

Examines the syntactic and stylistic features of an emergent phenomenon called Interactive Written Discourse (IWD), the written language occurring in simultaneous terminal-to-terminal typed dialogues. Finds that IWD is a naturally occurring register and a hybrid language variety, displaying characteristics of both oral and written language. Notes…

Reports the results of a survey designed to determine the frequency and purpose of individuals' use of electronic mail in relation to their professional development. Survey was distributed using three newsletters found on BITNET. Finds that electronic mail is replacing other means of communication and stimulating new communication among diverse…

Examines the effects of computer network technologies on teacher-student and student-student interactions. Finds that teachers in networked sections interact more with their students than do teachers in regular sections and communicate more electronically with less able students than with more able students. Notes that less able students…

Since distance learning via computer/modem is a relatively new concept, little is known about the students in computer/modem classes. This paper investigated computer/modem college students' backgrounds, ages, interests, reasons for enrollment, grades, and course completion rates as compared to traditional students. In the study there were 167…

A survey of libraries in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System investigated types of technology on which staff received training, methods used to train staff, and differences in training for professional and paraprofessional staff. Found that training was available on PCs, automated systems, e-mail, and the Internet but that gaps…

The Networked Classroom was implemented by the Southern Interior Telecommunications Project (SITP) to provide computer mediated communication (CMC) to teachers and students in the southern region of British Columbia. The Networked Classroom uses telecommunication networks to link teachers and students from different locations, to support their…

One of the most recent technological systems to be adopted for use in distance education is computer-mediated communication (CMC), which typically includes computer conferencing, electronic mail, and electronic bulletin boards. The purpose of this review is to provide teachers, researchers and administrators with a practical summary of current…

In order to determine what constraints lead students to enroll in television-based courses, personal interviews were conducted in the fall of 1989 with students enrolled in at least one telecourse at four institutions, i.e., Governors State University in Illinois, Northern Virginia Community College, Memphis State University in Tennessee, and the…

The purpose of the Apple Classroom of Tomorrow (ACOT) is to establish a saturated computer environment both to supplement conventional instruction with computer-based instruction and to teach applicants skills to facilitate performance of school tasks. Seemingly, the most powerful intervention is the pairing of each student with a personal tutor.…

Discussion of the use of telecommunications highlights projects designed by the New York City Board of Education to investigate telecommunications alternatives for the classroom. Telecommunications systems models are described, including electronic bulletin boards and networking; and instructional models are explained, including computer mediated…

Surveyed academic, corporate, and public libraries about their utilization of CD-ROMs and application of information technology. Results show that almost half of the surveyed libraries have over five computers with CD-ROMs and that most are technologically ready to meet patron information needs via facsimiles and electronic mail. (JMV)

This report on the status, prospects, and future implications of distance education in the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington focuses on those delivery systems that provide or could provide instructional units, courses, or instructional supplements to elementary and secondary schools in the region. The first of five…