Reviews the nature of computer networks and previews their development by focusing on ways they are useful to scientists and to science, including applications for remote computer access, electronic mail, bulletin boards, teleconferencing, file transfer, resource sharing, and imbedding nontextual communications. (JN)

Investigated the relationship between university student motivation and student acceptance of learning via computer conferencing (CC). Considered frequency of contributing online messages; satisfaction with CC; grades; effort; goal orientation; personal relevance of tasks; task attractiveness; and students' beliefs concerning the relationship of…

Describes a nontraditional discourse forum, computer-based conferences, in which students hold written conversations to discuss readings, debate issues, share frustrations, and try to become comfortable with the ideas presented in the classroom. Argues that these computer conferences are powerful learning forums for students because they encourage…

New technological aids such as interactive video, computer conferencing, and videotape can affect such aspects of teaching style as teacher independence and flexibility. A personal model for using technology involves recognizing one's teaching style, knowing the medium's characteristics, understanding the institutional context, and determining…

Three pilot projects tested the effectiveness of using PARTICIPATE software and computer conferencing to provide inservice training at a distance for vocational administrators. Participants said they would recommend the method; 73 percent said it enabled them to take courses they would otherwise have been unable to attend. (SK)

Discusses the use of one-way video, two-way audio teleconferencing as a teaching medium. Describes the teleconference facilities of Tulsa Junior College, the College Satellite Network and National University Teleconference Network, and the roles played by various people and groups in teleconferencing. Considers the cognitive aspects of video…

Describes the use of a computer conferencing program, Confer II, in freshman college composition classes. Benefits discussed include the opportunity to expand classroom discussions; promotion of interactions between students, both class-related and purely social; and exploration of the link between conversation and expressive writing. (five…

A series of remote viewing experiments were run with 12 participants who communicated through a computer conferencing network. The correct target sample was identified in 8 out of 33 cases. This represented more than double the pure chance expectation. Appendices present protocol, instructions, and results of the experiments. (Author/YP)

Describes a computer-mediated communications (CMC) system called CoSy that performs conferencing and mail functions, and reports on its use at the Open University. Results of a questionnaire that focused on student expectations suggest that the lack of social rules for controlling the flow of dialogue requires attention. (LRW)

A video teleconference can be especially successful in helping adult learners assimilate and use complex information because it offers both an interactive element and the capacity for live demonstration. A teleconference in Wisconsin and Ohio which included 60 sites and 1,500 participants is described. (JD)

Suggests a variety of ways to increase interaction with distance learners on an interactive telecommunications system, based on experiences at the University of Maine at Augusta. Highlights include establishing the proper environment; telephone systems; voice mail; fax; electronic mail; computer conferencing; postal mail; printed materials; and…

Examines the negative aspects of teleteaching and distance education. Makes recommendations for teachers to follow to improve both classroom lecturing and distance education teleconferencing. (JMV)

Surveyed 74 rural school administrators to determine perspectives concerning barriers and problems regarding the use of computer conferencing technologies. Found that computer conferencing use is minimal in schools and nonexistent among school administrators, but interest is high. Administrators agreed with more than half of the 11 barriers…

Describes the Grace project's Group Communication Service which was developed to function in an Open Systems Interconnection global networking environment to aid in computer-supported cooperative work. A conceptual model of group communications is presented, system architecture and system navigation are explained, and two prototype activities are…

Describes 38 introductory print materials the novice may consult before using the Internet, including guides and directories to resources; general information about the Internet; materials about Internet applications such as electronic mail, remote login, and file transfer; and information about Internet tools such as Archie, Gopher, and WAIS…