Describes the Iowa Communications Network, a statewide fiber optic network capable of transporting interactive, two-way audio, video, voice, and data signals. Topics include statewide cooperation among educational and state organizations; classroom design, including interactive classrooms; access to the Internet; and use by noneducational…

Discusses the distribution of curriculum ideas over the Internet. Considers the need for productivity software for curriculum development by classroom teachers, and introduces "Teacher's Curriculum Assistant," software designed for this purpose. Describes a constructivist curriculum and provides an example of a problem-solving…

Discusses the development of Minerva, a command-and-control training simulator that uses a multimedia computer network to exercise senior decision makers in crisis management at the Metropolitan Police Service (London). Examines the learning environment, programs, performance reviews, training scenarios, and technology. (AEF)

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Library and the American Physical Society (APS) are experimenting with electronically disseminating journals and reports in a project called TORPEDO (The Optical Retrieval Project: Electronic Documents Online). Scanned journals and reports are converted to ASCII, then attached to bibliographic information, and…

Reviews technological applications successfully used for distance education by the R. Jan LeCroy Center for Educational Telecommunications in the Dallas County Community College District (Texas). Applications include videotape and live interactive telecourses, satellite and network teleconferences, and telecommunication resources for businesses,…

Discusses issues related to the idea of a virtual library, or electronic library, in an academic setting. Topics discussed include access to academic libraries via personal computers; online catalogs; wide area networks, such as Internet, and their impact on library and computer center services; administrative issues; human and technological…

Some personal observations are offered about second-language teaching where nonnative speakers of Portuguese participated in class discussions via real time computer networks. Preliminary observations suggest that computer-assisted class discussions may promote student participation, reduce anxiety, and increase identification of language errors.…

Computers are widely used in architectural research and teaching in U.S. schools of architecture. A survey of libraries serving these schools sought information on the emphasis placed on computers by the architectural curriculum, accessibility of computers to library staff, and accessibility of computers to library patrons. Survey results and…

Schools must provide teachers with access to technology if they are to use it often and well. The article discusses integrated learning systems, noting teachers must be included in technology adoption and staff development processes. It recommends teachers have plenty of time to learn the systems at their own pace. (SM)

This special section on CD-ROM and multimedia includes three articles: "What You Need to Know before Networking CD-ROMs" (David Burke); "Multimedia in a Traditional Library Setting" (Norman K. Peterson and Laurn Wilhelm); and "SilverPlatter Embraces the Future" (Pat Ensor). Reviews of two CD-ROM products are also…

Describes PALL (Pennsylvania Learning Link), an interactive computer system that offers research resources, electronic mail, discussion centers, distance learning information, access to Internet mail, and specific curriculum resources geared toward classroom needs. Regional services, statewide services, and classroom services are described,…

Describes a telecommunications session that enabled a class of fifth-grade students to interview international visitors at a distance. Topics addressed include the collaborative effort between Appalachian State University, public schools, and businesses to form a telecommunications network using Integrated Services Digital Network; and student…

Reviews three articles that discuss the ways gender issues and personal characteristics impact computer use. One paper proposes an alternative to using Likert-style attitude measures to study the computer gender gap, and two articles discuss the personal characteristics of teachers that influence computer use. Related studies are mentioned and…

Describes a project conducted in Houston-area public schools and schools of education to integrate technology into preservice teacher education. The project includes equipping participating schools with computer technology, telecommunications, network-based resources, staff, and training. Training preservice teachers in public school classrooms…

Acknowledging that students learning a second language need opportunities for extended spoken and written interactions with native speakers, this paper describes instructional computer networking that links grade 12 Anglophone students of French in Toronto with native French-speaking peers in Montreal. Focus is on writing skills. (25 references)…