This monograph combines an examination of theoretical issues raised by the introduction of two-way video and similar systems into distance education (DE) with practical advice on using compressed video systems in DE programs. Presented in the first half of the monograph are the following: analysis of the intrinsic links between DE and technology…

Information highways are high speed data networks used to transport information and link people together. As more limitations of and problems with the information highway ("potholes") become apparent, the highway metaphor may have to be revisited, and the information highway must be examined with a critical eye. Distance educators…

Quality in distance education and open learning is the theme of this collection of five papers. The first is a compilation of outlines of Charles Sturt University (New South Wales, Australia) innovative teaching projects contributed by project leaders or team members. Quality initiatives are described in a range of disciplines. In seeking to…

Hypermedia is not a single technology; it is an integrated electronic environment that combines text, audio, and video into one large file. Users can explore information about a subject using several technologies at the same time. Although the technical foundation for hypermedia was established in the early 1970s, it was not until the late 1980s…

Noting that the merging of various types of media with the computer has presented the field of education with a hybrid technology called interactive multimedia (also referred to as hypermedia), this digest begins by defining this technology as "the integration of text, audio, graphics, still image, and moving pictures into a single,…

This paper presents steps for incorporating research into a community college public speaking class curriculum. It outlines, from an historical perspective, the different techniques and tools of research, including face-to-face contact, the printing press, modern machinery, and computers. It suggests discussing research surveys and taking students…

Acadia University (Nova Scotia) has completed year two of the Acadia Advantage initiative, which involved 1,500 students and 170 faculty using IBM notebook computers in the curriculum. By year 2000, all 4,000 students at Acadia University will have notebook computers and will be taking part in technology-enhanced courses. To assist faculty, the…

This paper argues that formative evaluation of instruction, which is generally agreed to be critical for instruction in any medium, is even more crucial when the instruction is to be delivered by interactive technologies such as computers, interactive video, hypermedia, or the various forms of interactive multimedia systems. It begins by…

A seminar sponsored by the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics on the role of media and media technologies in second and foreign language learning is reported. The organization of this report reflects the program of the seminar. Four plenary papers established some broad applied linguistic perspectives and presented an overview of recent…

This paper presents a decision making model that uses a systematic approach to design; has as a driving force the needs and goals of a particular learning situation; is derived from traditional instructional system design models such as Kemp, Dick & Carey, and Romiszowski; and in addition addresses the potential impact of multimedia as a…

A parental involvement program was developed and implemented in a prekindergarten class setting. The program focused on using a "talking" computer to bring the adults into the classroom to work with the students. The program featured child-generated, parent-transcribed, computer-reproduced whole language stories for use at home and school. Parents…

This report reflects research and development on visualization and the use of multimedia carried out at the Department of Applied Education, Division of Instrumental Science and Technology of the University of Twente (Netherlands) and the Andersen Consulting Educational Computing Consortium, also at the University of Twente. The report contains 11…

Hypertext and its more advanced form Hypermedia represent a powerful authoring tool with great potential for allowing statistics teachers to develop documents to assist students in an algorithmic fashion. An introduction to the use of Hypertext is presented, with an example of its use. Hypertext is an approach to information management in which…

A project developed, field tested, implemented, and disseminated a management system, support materials, and references for a self-paced individualized instructional program in automotive mechanics and food services. During the program, the Planwriter component of the SAGE/Compute-a-Match Assessment System was used to develop a management system…

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…