Argues that Mexican and other Latin American libraries must make changes to take advantage of increasingly available electronic information sources. Discusses developments in the previously paper-based publishing industry; the industry's relation with the academic and research environment; and Mexican electronic sources for the study of Latin…

Discusses intelligent filtering systems and describes work in the INFOS (Intelligent News Filtering Organizational System) project designed to automatically categorize data as relevant or irrelevant based on user interests. The filtering is performed by combining keyword-based hill climbing, knowledge-based conceptual representation via WordNet,…

Discusses room videoconferencing systems and describes the basic equipment needed for producing and transmitting signals. Outlines guidelines for producing instructional videoconferences: know your equipment, follow principles of television production, prepare instructional materials in advance, test graphics in advance, script the program,…

Describes how two professors used a robotic camera to tape their classes and improve their teaching style. The camera was found to be unobtrusive and useful in providing feedback; both professors adjusted their materials and delivery approach as a result. Tapes were used in later classes and for students who missed classes. (AEF)

Presents an overview of the growth of work in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) over the last 40 years. Notes formative influences and contributing disciplines and discusses technology, applied problems, and the design for usability. Outlines issues that pose problems for HCI in the near future. Seven figures show growth in media. (141 references)…

Examines a model for measuring children's verbal interactions in small heterogeneous or homogeneous cooperative groups using computers. Considers research design, type of task, and data collection and analysis. Concludes that a model incorporating cognitively oriented and socially oriented talk will expand understanding of the nature of children's…

Undergraduate technology and business students at the Polytechnic of Wales (United Kingdom) participated in multi-disciplinary team projects to experience real life business challenges and develop competences that employers expect in professionals. Lists characteristics of successful multi-disciplinary projects, discusses cost and industry…

The bookmobile of Lancaster County Library (Pennsylvania) provides library services to the home schooled children of isolated, rural communities. Home schooling and bookmobile usage have increased proportionally, and bookmobiles act as "library periods" for the home schooled, provide materials to support curricula, and supply…

An institutionwide strategic planning effort at Central Michigan University, in response to a need for rapid and significant changes in its information technology infrastructure, is outlined. The effort resulted in a matrix governance structure for information technology that acknowledges the value of both distributed support and a strong central…

The process of designing the Yale University (Connecticut) World Wide Web page "front door" is described, including its conceptualization, evolution through technological advances and attitudinal change, achievement of consensus through an interdepartmental advisory team, constituency response, and expectations about future change. (MSE)

To determine effects of institutional control on component use and need for meeting individual differences in course design, a survey of students at British Open University analyzed the use and helpfulness of 15 multimedia components. Concludes that controls may force students to use less helpful components and that a wide range of components…

In 1991, a partnership of three public schools in Hawaii received an Elementary and Secondary Education Act grant to develop a K-12 information skills curriculum and purchase electronic resources. Discusses installing the hardware and software, creating the information search framework, and developing the K-12 guide. Evaluates the two year project…

Describes the technology-rich American School in Tokyo, Japan, its equipment, and ways students are using the school's technology. Notes three lessons learned from working in a high-tech environment: (1) teachers must be enthusiastic about technology; (2) they must create a plan that copes with constant change; and (3) they must invest in computer…

Discusses the use of computer-aided instruction (CAI) packages in promoting active student learning. Describes the development of a CAI package that highlights discussion of real engineering cases and students' ability to transfer knowledge to new engineering problems. Concludes that the students' problem-solving skills can be improved with the…

Summarizes the extensive changes that have occurred in recent years on the Internet with regard to access and content. Maintains that the combination of subject coverage and user-friendly technology makes the Internet a valuable teaching resource. Suggests ways to incorporate this into political science instruction. (MJP)