Describes the design and development of an image database for photographs in the Ulster Museum (Northern Ireland) that used parallelism from a transputer network. Topics addressed include image processing techniques; documentation needed for the photographs, including indexing, classifying, and cataloging; problems; hardware and software aspects;…

Describes the Pan-African Network for a Geological Information System (PANGIS) that was designed so that developing African nations could use their own information resources and make them available internationally. Topics discussed include training programs, standards, computer hardware and software, bibliographic databases, and future plans. (LRW)

Edited transcripts of three talks presented at the 1991 Research and Education Networking (R&EN) Conference address municipal information systems, including descriptions of local networks, privacy issues, and future possibilities; networking in Canada, including CA*net, regional networks, and federal activities; and Canadian reactions to…

This article assesses the state of electronic publishing outside the realm of the industrialized West. Topics include global information disparities in number of databases, telecommunications infrastructure, telephone service, and computer networks; recent projects by nongovernmental organizations; and remaining challenges, including costs, lack…

The Alberta Special Education Network (ASPEN) is a computer-based communications and information network geared to the teaching and learning of exceptional children in rural Alberta, Canada. Network features include toll-free telephone access, a menu-driven user interface, training and awareness, electronic mail, weekly news, forums, and a…

England's 1.6 billion-pound National Grid for Learning initiative represents an unprecedented government commitment to educational use of information and communications technology (ICT). NGfL will integrate ICT into all schooling areas via increased funding, teacher training, and simulation of a systemwide "ICT culture." Implications and…

Describes the development, implementation, operations, and benefits of the ATHENS (authentication system) access-management system which was introduced in 1996 and extended in 1997 to provide access-control facilities to online resources for all the national data centers and services in the United Kingdom. Outlines future plans for ATHENS. (AEF)

Although computers and network technology have been widely utilised to assist students learn, few technical supports have been developed to help hearing-impaired students learn in Taiwan. A significant challenge for teachers is to provide after-class learning care and assistance to hearing-impaired students that sustain their motivation to…

Multimedia is developing fast due to the convergence of different media (text, data. graphics, video, audio) into a common digital platform, and due to the convergence of telecommunications, television, and computing. Parallel to these technical convergencies is another set of developments in work and leisure that is opening up new markets for…

This paper describes the current policies and initiatives regarding the application of technology in Canada, Mexico and the United States. It also analyzes the need for policy development regarding technological networks, equipment, and educational content. The report also includes recommendations regarding specific initiatives for tri-national…

The Internet creates a unique opportunity for building virtual professional communities. The Lamda Community Project was created to use the Internet to support science and technology education as part of the Israeli national program to advance science and technology education in Israel. A virtual community was created as a meeting place and…

This paper proposes a communication network for the European Community and beyond which would provide a unique meeting point for participants from the fields of education, training, technology, research, industry, and service to engage in productive forms of dialogue and collaboration; which would be financially self-supporting after a few years;…

Techniques for using France's Minitel, a general information network accessible by computer from the United States, for business French courses are outlined. The Minitel system is first described and hardware and software needs for accessing its services are noted. A variety of options for presenting Minitel material to students is presented,…

The present state of the educational use of computer communications networks in Japan is outlined. Computer communication is now growing rapidly in Japanese society as a whole, and its educational community is not an exception. After giving general figures on the use of computers in Japanese education and describing government proposals on…

The use of electronic communication in the 12 Title VI African Studies Centers is discussed, and the networks available for their use are reviewed. It is argued that the African Studies Centers should be on the cutting edge of contemporary electronic communication and that computer networks should be a fundamental aspect of their programs. An…