Audiographics is a low-cost delivery system for distance learning using a telecommunications link between computers and an audioconferencing medium. A study of the interactions between teachers and 10- to 12-year-old students in Western Australia indicated that, although audiographics can support interactions of many forms, teachers used a limited…

Reviews four studies that capture the present and potential impact of videoconferencing and outlines what needs to be done before videoconferencing is commonly used in education. Discusses instructional effectiveness, cost, factors that affect its success, and videoconferencing compared to other forms of communications. (Author/LRW)

Traces the growth of video teleconferencing and college participation in teleconferences. Reviews the benefits of video teleconferencing for the college; considerations in choosing programs for local use and in choosing a video teleconference coordinator; and the provision of teleconferences as a new community service. (GFW)

Describes a study that examined the interrelationships among three dimensions of acceptance for computer mediated communication systems (CMCS). The dimensions examined were use, subjective satisfaction, and perceived benefits. It is concluded that future studies of CMCS's should not assume that usage alone or subjective satisfaction alone are…

Discussion of the use of electronic conferencing to form a discourse community focuses on a case study of student consultants working in a microcomputer lab supporting writing courses at Michigan Technological University. The formulation of a group identity, as well as group values, goals, and expectations are discussed. (16 references) (LRW)

Describes the use of electronic messaging in elementary and junior high schools in Canada and the United States. Highlights include differences between electronic mail, bulletin board services, and computer mediated conferencing; the role of the teachers; equipment and telephone line considerations; and costs. (LRW)

Schools are beginning to tap into the growing industry of Interactive Television (ITV) as a way to offer their students greater learning resources. Switching to the new distance-learning method of ITV requires knowledge of the technological terminology. A cost-analysis model is given as an example for business administrators. (KDP)

Describes corporate training programs that use technology, including videotapes, hypermedia curriculum, and distance learning systems in the automotive industry, using fiber optics and cable to transmit university courses; the petroleum industry, using a video network; and the health care industry, via an interactive video conferencing system.…

Faculty at 11 higher education institutions in California, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico have been experimenting with computer conferencing on the BESTNET (Bilingual English-Spanish Telecommunications Network). The growing system is credited with creating an international student-faculty community that crosses cultural barriers for…

Discussion of interactive compressed video (ICV) focuses on human reactions and interactions and the implications for teaching and learning styles. The use of ICV at the University of Kentucky to link community colleges for distance learning is highlighted. (SLW)

A discussion of socially situated learning, critical thinking, and implications for distance education looks at a study of learners' perceptions while enrolled in two different models of audio teleconference-delivered university courses. It is concluded that learning communities, which support critical thinking, can be created at a distance.…

Discusses the role of the international organization INTERMON in education for social development. Highlights include objectives, content, values, conflict-resolution, cooperative learning, teacher training, and the use of audiovisuals, networked telecommunications, electronic mail, and teledebates. (AEF)

Discusses electronic information resources related to former Soviet and east European studies that are available through academic communications networks such as BITNET. Descriptions and access information are provided for online library catalogs, databases, discussion groups, listservers, and electronic journals. Electronic mail links with former…

A University of Texas undergraduate course on twentieth century poetry uses conferencing on computers within the classroom for discussion. The technique encourages participation, promotes spontaneity, allows revision, neutralizes gender bias, and improves student writing. A variety of computer programs are available, and the method can be adapted…

Describes the emergence of the cyberspace college, defined as the informal exchange of scholarly information communicated over informal electronic networks. A history and description of academic computer conferences, results of participant surveys, and the impact of this new communication medium on informal academic communication are discussed.…