Discusses the use of local networks and integrated learning systems in delivering instruction. Presents a summary of projects initiated by the states of Maryland, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Notes that although network software is gaining popularity, most software is still for the individual user. (MVL)

Describes Ontario Ministry of Education efforts to provide microcomputer facilities for schools, facilitate software development, reinforce the ministry's philosophy of education, and stimulate the Canadian computer and software industry. Provides historical perspective and notes recent initiatives taken. (MVL)

Describes one way of structuring an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) in light of developments in artificial intelligence. A specialized intelligent operating system (SIOS) is proposed for software for a network of microcomputers, and it is postulated that a general learning system must be used as a basic framework for the SIOS. (Author/LRW)

This study examined circumstances leading teachers to incorporate telecommunications into practice. Case studies of teachers involved in a telecommunications project (three participants and three nonparticipants) indicated that those who integrated telecommunications into teaching valued the use of an interactive learning network and had figured…

Describes integrated learning systems (ILSs) and their impact on education. Topics discussed include courseware; curriculum areas; instructional strategies; ILS management systems; and future trends, including IBM versus Macintosh, multimedia, networked software, and curriculum design. (LRW)

This article describes a computer network system that connects several microcomputers to a single disk drive and one copy of software. Many schools are switching to networks as a cheaper and more efficient means of computer instruction. Teachers may be faced with copywriting problems when reproducing programs. (DF)

Discusses problems with integrated learning systems (ILSs) in the schools, noting they are still an unproven solution to problems in education plagued by many serious limitations. The article recommends dealing with the fundamental problems of the educational system before investing time and money in ILS. (SM)

Describes the experience of one class that used online search services to learn current events. Gives suggestions for social studies teachers interested in doing online newspaper searches with their students. Lists four online sources of newspaper articles. Illustrates eight steps involved in a typical search. (CW)

Two articles discuss changes that are making technology useful to teachers. After examining computer uses in education, the articles describe new research and educational technology trends, and products and projects that got three teachers hooked on technology. (SM)

Examines the world of integrated learning systems, focusing on research that explains their success and noting what needs to be done to make them more effective in elementary education. The article recommends creating a method to demonstrate their success or failure rate in improving scores on achievement tests. (SM)

Describes computer-assisted activities used in the University of Michigan's teacher education program (computer conferencing and an interactive educational software package). The article discusses what the applications convey about the teaching and learning process, what they communicate about teacher knowledge, and what kind of educational future…

This second volume of a two-volume report is based on the experiences of teachers who participated in a project at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) which assessed the effectiveness of a Virtual Classroom (VC), in which students and teachers communicate through a computer-mediated system called the Electronic Information Exchange…

This document is a strategic plan for the implementation of technology in the West Ottawa School District (Holland, Michigan). Developed in response to the passage of a bond issue with funding for educational technology in 1990, the plan proposes to support all aspects of the educational process, using technology not only as a tool for…

This guide is intended to introduce educators to computer conferencing, a new and often misunderstood communications medium. Written for a trainer/instructor to use with a group of classroom teachers, administrators, or other group of professional educators who are unfamiliar with computer conferencing as a teaching medium, the guide provides the…

Describes Hawaii University High School's use of a telecommunications satellite to link scientists from around the world with students; use of a communications network to link Michigan social studies classrooms for participation in a political science simulation; and the National Diffusion Network's use of a telecommunications satellite for…