Explores possible uses of electronic mail in three areas of the academic setting: instruction, research, and administration. Electronic mail is defined, the components needed to get started with electronic mail are discussed, and uses and benefits of electronic mail in diverse educational environments are suggested. (12 references) (DB)

A survey of 2,000 rural residents in 6 states (36% response) found that 56% used answering machines, 48% fax machines, 46% personal computers, 27% cell phones, and 25% modems. Higher use was associated with higher income and education. Distance from the nearest metropolitan statistical area increased use. A large majority believed…

This manual is intended to provide guidance to those interested in establishing an electronic bulletin board system (BBS) that enables users to send and read messages both individually and by teleconferencing, and to transfer files to and from the system. The manual begins with a definition of a BBS and explains its uses and facilities. It then…

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…

This report describes library applications of electronic bulletin board systems (BBS), i.e., telecommunications software designed to receive incoming calls from other computer systems. It begins by explaining the basics of a BBS; describing a typical configuration, i.e., a microcomputer and a modem connected to standard phone line bulletin board…

This manual for a workshop on the use of telecommunications in the schools begins by presenting a connection decision chart, the session objectives, and the agenda. Information presented for the workshop covers the basic concepts and elements of telecommunications; the specific elements of a telecommunications system; the evaluation and selection…

This report describes "AppleLink," a communications system used by Apple employees, which combines an electronic mail system, bulletin boards, and databases. The development of AppleLink from the pilot project stage is described, and the basic functions and features of the system are detailed. Suggestions are made for the use of a…

This curriculum guide is intended for use in teaching a unit on telecommunications to students with a basic understanding of computing. Introductory materials spell out the purpose of the unit--to provide an introduction to the sending and receiving of electronic information using a personal computer system and the telephone communications…

This paper describes early issues, events, and efforts in New Hampshire to develop a telecommunications base for students and educators. Six "dreams" of possible telecommunications programs are briefly described, some facts about New Hampshire are provided, and some problems to be addressed are considered. The beginnings of the New…

Describes TAXACOM, an online service of the Clinton Herbarium of the Buffalo Museum of Science in New York. Discusses "Flora Online" which is the first electronic serial to receive a number from the Library of Congress and a Latin translation service for biologists needing help composing Latin descriptions of new taxa. (TW)

This introduction to the Internet with examples for Macintosh computer users demonstrates the ease of using e-mail, participating on discussion group listservs, logging in to remote sites using Telnet, and obtaining resources using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Included are lists of discussion groups, Telnet sites, and FTP Archive sites. (EA)

A dial-access, multiuser, multiaccess CD-ROM search system with end-user capability was developed to provide Eastern Oregon State College distance education students with access to the information required by their studies. Based on UNIX, the system provides students with access to 12 databases, an e-mail system for messaging, interlibrary loan…

Since distance learning via computer/modem is a relatively new concept, little is known about the students in computer/modem classes. This paper investigated computer/modem college students' backgrounds, ages, interests, reasons for enrollment, grades, and course completion rates as compared to traditional students. In the study there were 167…

CMS (Computer Mail System) School-Net is an informal, grass-roots telecommunications network developed by the San Diego (California) School District to provide assistance in improving student language and communications skills. Each CMS electronic bulletin board represents a node in the network, which operates independently during the day as a…

Discusses three school activities--electronic messaging, problem solving, and database searching--that make use of computer telecommunications. Multipurpose services, equipment and software, training and support, low-cost start-up ideas, and the role of the library media center are also covered. Two recommended publications on telecommunication…