Examines computer-mediated communication (CMC) in higher education, particularly the evaluation of network resources for course-related student communication. Presents case studies of e-mail seminars in Scottish language studies and music, demonstrates the significance of emphasizing process over outcome, and discusses factors affecting CMC usage:…

Introduces an instructional approach referred to as collaborative project-based learning and describes a new Web-based technology, "ALiVE" designed to support this instructional approach. Discusses information resources management; scaffolding with templates; communication; collaboration; coordination; and technological overhead.…

Analyzes the computer program, "Question Mark," produced in England and designed to be a testing tool for large second-language classes. Using this tool, it is possible to create and edit up to 500 questions using any one of 8 different question types. The program also can provide a running score for students using it. Notes that student…

Discusses the rationale and criteria for developing "Telegram," an electronic grammar database for English-as-a- Second-Language teachers in Hong Kong. Describes the importance of explicit grammatical knowledge in effective language teaching, and describes the design criteria for "Telegram," which aims to provide a body of…

Offers guidelines for consultants from developed countries who are establishing automated libraries in developing countries. Topics discussed include needs assessment; collection characteristics; computer needs of the institution; user characteristics; funding; physical environment; personnel; local resources and services; and choosing…

Describes the development of a computer-based interactive videodisc (CBIVD) that was used to present inservice education to high school math teachers in South Africa. The role of the instructor during inservice classes is emphasized, courseware is described, and results of formative evaluation are discussed. (11 references) (LRW)

Reports on the results of a study of business undergraduates in Australia that was conducted to determine whether or not perceived knowledge of software, microcomputer experience, overall knowledge of computers, programming experience, and gender were predictors of computer anxiety. Use of the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale is discussed.…

Describes a project that used QuickTime digital television to create multimedia computer programs to supplement and expand native language instruction in elementary schools in British Columbia. The Nedut'en dialect of the Carrier language is explained, computer-assisted language instruction is discussed, and technical limitations are considered.…

Discusses the influences of mass media and other communication technologies on small linguistic communities using examples from the Catalan and Occitan/Aranes communities of Spain. Highlights include hardware, linguistic software, national character sets and sorting, spelling checkers, automatic translation, multilingual software, networking, and…

Presents a geographic analysis of results of a survey of medical libraries in the United States, Canada, and Europe that examined the automation of book and serials processing. Levels of automation are investigated, geographic differences between the use of personal computers versus mainframe/minicomputers are discussed, and software systems are…

Describes the design of a decision support system (DSS) for a management game called MAGNUS (Management Game for National University of Singapore). Built-in models for performance analysis and decision making are explained; database query and model building are described; and future work is discussed. (11 references) (LRW)

This column describes British technological aids that can support children with communication and writing difficulties, including (1) writing aids such as predictive typing, abbreviation expansion systems, and alternative keyboards; and (2) socially interactive communication aids such as synthetic speech using portable computers. (JDD)

Discusses reasons for staff resistance to library CD-ROM services based on responses on electronic bulletin boards from primarily academic libraries in North America and the United Kingdom. Highlights include psychological reasons; problems of multiple interfaces; increased teaching load; increased costs; increased stress; maintenance time; and…

Discussion of bibliographic instruction for users of CD-ROM products highlights computer-based tutorials (CBT) that were developed at the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario. Structured searching is described, and problems created by the lack of commercial CD-ROM tutorials and adequate training videos are…

Describes a CD-ROM containing a resource library for students in an information science/technology course at the Open University (United Kingdom). Development gave rise to several issues: adaptation of print-based content to the electronic medium; development of quality-control methods; and adaptation of staff roles. Feedback from students shows…