In Australia, access to music education is inequitable due to the challenges of distance, different state education systems and a lack of resources in schools. As a means to address this social justice issue, we explore here the viability and effects of a digitally based music outreach programme undertaken in collaboration with Hands on Learning…

The concepts, vocabulary, current uses, and technical aspects of distance education are introduced in this bulletin, which is designed to assist administrators in making decisions regarding distance education. The first chapter defines and discusses distance education in general and provides an overview of current educational applications.…

This document is a resource guide for educators on using telecommunications in the classroom. The first chapter provides a brief history of telecommunications, describes what telecommunications is, and discusses its value in the classroom today. The second chapter discusses the parts of a telecommunications system and provides technical…

Discusses the benefits of nontraditional school practices in facilitating the "educational match" between black children's learning styles and the instructional environment. Focuses on the advantages of providing black children with "active learning" through computer programming, and recommends ways to improve the preparation of educators for…

Presented is a composite model for media selection which takes the forms of a matrix whereby 36 items (attributes of learning delivery mechanisms) are matched against various media forms. A numerical value can then be obtained which identifies the most probable medium for reaching an instructional goal. (CS)

Presents a brief historical background for computer-assisted instruction and distance learning in the United States and the United Kingdom (UK). Focuses on the National Grid of Learning (NGL), an experiment in the UK to connect all learning institutions electronically. (AEF)

Using a nationwide survey of 95 school districts, this study attempted to assess the patterns and effects of declining enrollment. The survey examined the current effects of declining enrollment on instructional and supervisory programs. Utilizing a random sample of school districts stratified by size of district in 1977, region, and percent of…

A review of research in distance education indicates that results are consistent in that there is no significant difference in achievement contributable to the delivery system. This "no significant difference" perspective represents a very narrow vision of the research actually occurring in distance education. This paper attempts to examine the…

Reports on a month-long visit to South African alternative educational programs which are filling the gap between the official computer curriculum and the potential power of computers for writing and publishing. Describes how progressive South African educators use the computer as a tool for empowerment and to subvert the established curriculum.…

Presents evaluations of three video-based distance education programs--Star Schools, the governor of Wyoming's pilot distance learning project, and the Ohio SchoolNet Telecommunity. Discusses some common findings and implications for the future of video-based distance learning, including what can be done to make distance education courses more…

Describes Generation www.Y (Gen Y), a program that trains technology-savvy students to help teachers incorporate technology into their lessons. Discusses how Gen Y works; benefits for students and teachers; and how Gen Y is funded. One table lists differences between the traditional way of infusing technology and the Gen Y way. The two student…

The first two years' experience at the Waterford School are described by an administrator and a parent. Waterford is a private, nontuition school conducted as the major activity of an educational institute dedicated to research, innovation, and the application of advanced technologies such as microcomputers and videodiscs to education and…

This paper summarizes a quantitative synthesis of studies of the effectiveness of interactive distance education using videoconferencing and telecommunications for K-12 academic achievement. Effect sizes for 19 experimental and quasi-experimental studies including 929 student participants were analyzed across sample characteristics, study methods,…

In 1998, the Visually Impaired Personnel Preparation Program was established in Texas to train 100 teachers of students with visual impairments and 50 orientation and mobility specialists. By May 2000, 194 students had enrolled. Course work was delivered at outreach sites and through online courses, interactive television, and on campuses.…

Discusses answers to four questions school districts should consider in assessing technology's contributions to education: How should students learn technology skills? Should technology-enhanced learning replace paper-and-pencil knowledge? Will appropriate student use of technology lead to higher test scores? How do we obtain or produce teachers…