Discusses microcomputer-based reformatting of text to help learners with disabilities. Highlights include letter size; spacing; copyright problems; expanding the target audience to make systems more cost effective; writing skills; voice input; and further enhancements, including networked systems and the use of hypertext. (14 references) (LRW)

Explores possible uses of electronic mail in three areas of the academic setting: instruction, research, and administration. Electronic mail is defined, the components needed to get started with electronic mail are discussed, and uses and benefits of electronic mail in diverse educational environments are suggested. (12 references) (DB)

Discusses the use of the Internet for electronic publishing. Topics addressed include electronic mail; Telenet; file transfer protocol and Archie; Gopher; World Wide Web; LISTSERVS; and USENET. Four case studies are presented that illustrate how people can use the Internet to make information available to large numbers of people. (Contains 15…

Presents a practical guide to use of the Internet. Topics discussed include getting connected; the UNIX operating system; electronic mail; FTP (File Transfer Protocol); Finger; Telnet; Archie; Veronica; Gopher; teacher education; the Yanoff List; and expansion of the Internet. (three references) (LRW)

Discusses the National Information Infrastructure (NII) and its ramifications for educational institutions and the global marketplace. Highlights include components of the NII, including computer hardware, communication networks, computing and information resources, and human resources; the government role in competition, investment incentives,…

Describes three encyclopedias available on CD-ROM: (1) Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia; (2) World Book's Information Finder; and (3) Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia. Ideas for how they might be used in the classroom are suggested, information retrieval versus motivation is discussed, learning processes are examined, and stand-alone versus…

Examines the advisability of public school adoption of integrated learning systems (ILSs). Topics discussed include computer networks; alternatives to ILSs, including stand-alone microcomputers and networks without ILSs; ILSs and theories of learning and teaching; turnkey systems; and ILSs and the profit motive of vendors. (17 references) (LRW)

Describes efforts to introduce computers into Malaysian education during the past decade. Topics discussed include computer clubs as extramural activities; Ministry of Education initiatives, including developing a national policy and a national network; college and university initiatives; private sector initiatives; and future challenges.…

Identifies and discusses 10 overly optimistic claims for the use of computers in the classroom, and makes recommendations concerning each claim. Highlights include computer labs versus curriculum integration; the development of hardware versus software; the values of computer literacy; computer networking; computer education training; the use of…

Discusses possible future developments in integrated learning systems (ILSs). Highlights include greater integration with outside resources; incorporation of other technologies, including CD-ROM, multimedia, and hypermedia; links with databases; network possibilities; artificial intelligence tutoring systems; better courseware; decreasing prices;…

Describes the growth of educational computer networks in three main categories: (1) networks for sharing peripheral equipment; (2) networks for exchanging information; and (3) networks for addressing instructional needs. The use of microcomputers and mainframe computers is examined, networks in public schools and universities are described, and…

Discusses problems that have impeded the use of learning technologies in education, including costs, training educators, and the confusion of networks and databases. Greater involvement by the federal government is suggested as a solution; federal help in the past is described; and legislation currently proposed is explained. (LRW)

Examines some of the problems that must be solved before the Internet can realize its educational potential, including access that is educationally beneficial; hardware and software availability; charges for Internet access; technical and curriculum support; lack of coherent structure, stability, and documentation; censorship; and quality control.…

Discusses how to prepare teachers to use educational technology and how to affect their attitudes toward change. Technology in public schools in Indiana is examined, and the international Long Distance Learning Network Project (LDLN), which was designed to determine the effectiveness of long-distance learning in elementary and secondary schools,…