Discusses the workability of federal depository libraries in dealing with information in electronic format (i.e., optical discs, compact discs, and databases available through mainframe computer access), and presents results of two surveys designed to assess the attitudes and practices of depository libraries toward electronic information. Copies…

Discussion of the influence of technological developments on social change focuses on the effects of information technology on academic reference librarianship. Highlights include reference skills; electronic resources; microcomputer technology; online catalogs; interaction and communication with users; the need to teach information skills; and…

Two issues related to computers and health are discussed: ergonomics/work habits and radiation hazards. Several approaches that colleges and universities might use to promote workplace safety are suggested, including education, training, and more informed purchasing. San Francisco's new worker safety ordinance is presented, and carpal tunnel…

Profiles 10 technology-based programs in Montana, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Idaho schools that use computers, the Internet, and multimedia to teach math, science, information skills, economics, English, history, and graphic design. Includes teacher comments on hardware, software, costs, the changing role of the teacher, Internet safety, and…

Outlines some of the major factors and issues a college or university needs to address in planning for and implementing distance education. It is proposed that such planning and implementation should be conducted simultaneously and be integrated into the fabric of the institution as seamlessly as possible. Considerations such as budgeting,…

Examines the educational potential for intelligent agents as cognitive tools. Discusses the role of intelligent agents: managing large amounts of information (information overload), serving as a pedagogical expert, and creating programming environments for the learner. (AEF)

Considers how computer-assisted learning (CAL) can be integrated into a skills curriculum, and argues that CAL can provide a flexible approach to developing a range of skills and support the development of competence in information technology. Finds that a carefully designed program can be an appropriate learning strategy for skills courses. (DSK)

Describes attempts to devise effective strategies to develop students' communication and information technology (CIT) skills. Compares the outcomes of three modules that used learning materials mounted on the Internet. Finds that the provision of minimal instruction, low assessment weighting, and an experiential learning atmosphere encouraged…

Presents examples of the evaluation of media and technologies used at the FernUniversitat (Germany) for distance education. Topics include course evaluation; system or institutional evaluation; information and communication technologies; communication preferences and practice; computer access; multimedia via CD-ROMs and the Internet; video…

Describes the approach taken by the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee to budgeting for maintenance of general-assignment classrooms, noting the advantages of this straightforward and transparent model, its limitations, information needs, and the assumptions underlying the renovation model that emerged from this analysis. Technology costs are…

IndTech, "Independence through Technology," is a program in the New York City Public Schools (District 75) in which special-needs students mass produce adaptive devices for special-needs students of that district. Discussion includes research and development, the production sites, and empowerment of all participants. (AEF)

Discusses global perspectives already entrenched in many school subjects and examines popular expectations that the globalization of new information technologies will transform (Australian) schools and their curricula. Electronic media, like TV and radio, have not changed schools as they have society at large. School culture remains…

Examines the impact of technology on postsecondary education stemming from data definitions and analytical conventions in (1) configuring new institutions and programs, (2) understanding new faculty roles and work patterns, (3) measuring and analyzing student participation, (4) assessing student progress and learning gains, and (5) analyzing…

Suggests that in an era of increasingly universal computer literacy and quickly developing technologies, information professionals must be able to determine current needs and learn new skills and applications to supply them. Illustrates, through a real-life model, how the library's utilitarian base is well suited to the Web and how there is no…

Examines investments that will ensure that library information technology (IT) meets future academic needs. Looks back on the introduction of IT to research libraries. Assesses outcomes of IT investments in terms of cost and service benefits, and then focuses on developing new service models. (AEF)