This study, first in a three-part series, looked at distance education at Boise State University, Idaho, to explore the current distance education delivery methods, the growth in distance education, enrollment, and teaching in distance education. Data from various university sources show that in the past 5 years, the numbers of distance education…

A Delphi panel of 12 faculty teaching courses with 2-way audio 1-way video identified strategies for improvement: being prepared with visual material, using small amounts of information per frame, writing large and legibly, repeating comments from remote sites, varying presentation style, being available to students by phone, and taking advantage…

Results of an evaluation of the Washington Higher Education Telecommunication System (WHETS) are summarized. The system links Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman and the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle with the off-campus sites in Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. The system also expands the microwave link between WSU and the…

The Task Force on Educational Telecommunications was formed to develop a statewide approach to educational telecommunications (e.g., public, cable, and satellite television; audio and video tapes; teleconferencing; and computer conferencing) for the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). The task force assumed that the instruction should have…

The cost effectiveness of videocassettes and television broadcasts for the Open University's instructional purposes is examined, and the relative inexpensiveness of videocassette production and distribution is weighed against other issues, including access to equipment, changes in format necessary to take advantage of videocassettes' instructional…

This study was undertaken for the purpose of investigating the use of telecommunications for extension courses in teacher education programs. Specific inquiry was focused on two areas: current use (Part I) and equipment/delivery (Part II). Part I has focus on cost per student, types of extension courses, effect of geographic location, and success…

This description of a project offering live television transmissions as an addition to the University of Regina's (Saskatchewan, Canada) distance education system includes: (1) an introduction; (2) a description of and rationale for the evaluation model used; (3) a description of the data collection process; (4) a summary of the findings; and (5)…

Reports on the use of new instructional technologies in seven small community colleges, addressing such issues as the underlying philosophies toward the use of instructional technology in the classroom, use of new methods of delivering instruction outside the classroom, and the use of technology in the learning resource center. (AYC)

Arguing that, with the advancement of new technologies, multimedia extension programs (or telecourses) can now provide two-way audio and video interaction to homebound students and to students in distant locations in a very cost efficient and effective manner, this paper provides a look at multimedia extension programs for institutions of higher…

This report documents the Appalachian Education Satellite Project's (AESP) delivery of a continuing education course entitled 'Visual Learning' to 55 educators at 10 sites in Appalachia in Spring 1977. The course was intended to assist teachers in making more practical use of television in the classroom. Presented are: (1) a brief overview of the…

This series of five articles discusses minimizing computer failure; a national software clearinghouse for educational programs; Apple Software with a Purpose; a student-run word processing center at Jefferson College in Missouri; Wisconsin Technical School of the Air; vocational courses delivered by broadcast and cable television; and the delivery…

This study assessed educational needs and interests of West Virginia adults related to the proposed extension of distance education through Project Breakthrough. Project Breakthrough will broadcast college credit telecourse via satellite into more than 50,000 home satellite receivers. Results show an overall positive attitude toward additional…

Describes five telecommunications delivery systems offered or planned by Rio Salado Community College: cassette copies of radio/television courses in public libraries; "live" cable television; print-based correspondence courses; audio teleconferencing; and slow-scan video. Underscores the importance of administrative support, faculty…

The president of the University of Mid-America describes the past growth and future direction of this seven-state consortium which produces and distributes multimedia courses and provides alternative learning opportunities to underserved adult learners. (SK)

John Wood Community College (JWCC) serves a district population of approximately 90,000 in a predominantly rural section of west-central Illinois. In an effort to address the needs of the rural long-distance learner, JWCC has implemented a variety of instructional delivery techniques. Since its inception, JWCC has contracted with other area…