Microcomputers contribute to communications both in the direct sense by expediting word processing and other forms of electronic communication and in the indirect sense by facilitating communication and analysis among managers and researchers. (Author/MLW)

Provides an overview of the information technologies that best facilitate and support educational activities, emphasizing areas relevant to distance education. Technologies in the areas of video communications, audiographics, telephone systems, and computer communications are classified and described. (CLB)

Appropriate software can turn the microcomputer from the dumb box into a teaching tool. One resource for finding appropriate software is the organization Edunet. It allows the user to access the mainframe of 18 major universities and has developed a communications network with 130 colleges. It also handles billing, does periodic software…

A study explored the social uses of computer-mediated communication, identifying primary users and amounts of time spent using two related systems. Interviews and observations of computer users suggest that a large, socially active computing subculture is based at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus. It was hypothesized that members of…

This paper surveys the various teleconferencing trials in the Open University, and attempts to analyze why they have been relatively unsuccessful compared to other new media initiatives such as audio cassettes and computer assisted learning. The situation is placed in the context of British and European educational use of telecommunications in…

Reports planning for and the installation of about 80 microcomputers for staff use at approximately 50 library units in the University of Michigan Library System. Highlights include the selection of hardware and software; methods of staff training; integration of the microcomputers into library operations; and benefits of electronic messaging and…

Describes efforts of Eastern Montana College to provide inservice education to teachers in rural areas using interactive teleconferencing. Suggests lack of this method's interactive visual component be overcome with the use of microcomputer networks. Stresses that these two technologies are readily available and reasonably cost effective. (NEC)

Reports that by using several features of the PLATO computer aided instruction system, students in Illinois and Hawaii who were taking similar courses were able to communicate with each other and conduct topical discussions through computer conferencing. This technique has a variety of applications and is available at different sites. (DC)

Discusses the needs of the new majority of students, i.e., part-time students over 25 with job and/or family responsibilities. A pilot project at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, called the Interactive Learning Community, that lends computers with modems to students to supplement in-class activities is described. (five…

This report examines statewide planning and budgeting for educational technology in the 15 states covered by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), with a focus on state-level expenditures for telecommunications networks, microcomputers, software, and other technology. Capsule descriptions of each state's current activities are provided,…

Describes an experiment at the Open University in Great Britain that expanded the use of home-based microcomputers for distance education students enrolled in higher education courses. Results of an evaluation of the program are discussed, computer conferencing is described, student drop-outs are examined, and future possibilities are considered.…

This paper describes two distance education courses on educational technology offered to the University of Wyoming by the University of Toledo (Ohio) and Florida State University. The first course, "Teaching Computer Courseware Design Using Audio Teleconferencing and Electronic Mail," is described by its professor, Dennis C. Myers of Toledo. This…

A study of teachers in the United Kingdom's Open University who used a computer mediated communications system called Cosy in 1988 was conducted to document their experiences with and attitudes toward the system. The results of interviews and analysis of log sheets revealed that: (1) the sample of teachers (n=10) showed a range in usage of the…

By combining the use of an existing teleconferencing network with new computer-based video technologies, the University of Wyoming has enhanced its ability to provide distance educational opportunities for students at remote sites across the state. The new computer-based audiographic system was tested during the fall semester of 1988 during the…

Discussion of the use of electronic conferencing to form a discourse community focuses on a case study of student consultants working in a microcomputer lab supporting writing courses at Michigan Technological University. The formulation of a group identity, as well as group values, goals, and expectations are discussed. (16 references) (LRW)