This overview provides a technological context for the telecommunications age by describing existing and emerging systems--telephone, broadcasting, cable television, fiber optic, satellite, optical disk, and computer technology--and services available via these systems. It is suggested that educators need to become technologically literate and…

Discusses course selection, content development, course design and production, course implementation, course evaluation, recommendations, and conclusions resulting from a Virginia Tech distance education development project. The project used televised instruction, self-instruction, and teleconferencing to teach a graduate level course on…

Describes possible computer applications in distance education, including both instructional and instructional and administrative support uses, and argues that computers will revolutionize educational and social dimensions of distance education practice with consequent effects on traditional educational systems. (MBR)

Computer conferencing (CC) is rapidly becoming a viable and useful adjunct to many distance education delivery systems. This paper deals with the general questions of what might constitute exemplary practice in using CC for teaching and learning, as well as features to look for when selecting a CC system. The "Do's" include: test the technology…

This book provides an illustrated introduction to a wide range of learning technologies from multimedia PCs to the Internet and the World Wide Web. The book covers choosing a computer, creating images for Web pages, making OHP slides, using desktop video conferencing. The book contains activities, case studies and notes, and provides advice on:…

In the midst of an information explosion, it is increasingly important for educators and students to learn how to effectively use new technologies. Technologies impacting education are examined, including school LANs (Local Area Networks), the Internet, and multimedia, and the best use of these technologies in an educational setting is…

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of a federally funded project designed to prepare leadership personnel in the area of adapted physical education. An element unique to the project was the successful collaborative effort of personnel and resources from the University of Utah and Oregon State University used in the preparation…

Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are often perceived by education establishments as an opportunity to widen access without traditional overheads. An integral part of most VLEs is asynchronous computer conferencing and on-line moderators must help students migrate quickly to the new virtual environment to minimize learning disruption. This…

"Projet Mercure," or the Mercury Project, was a consortium of universities in North America that used videoconferencing to link with university classrooms in France; its purpose was to provide a new approach to teaching French language and civilization. This paper examines one such videoconference between both Austin Peay State…

Experiences from a distance course conducted during 1996-97 for high-school teachers in Sweden and reports from other experiments have yielded the conclusion that collaborating via electronic conferencing systems demands new communication patterns. This paper uses theories about communication, group processes, and shared symbolic order and social…

This paper examines the mechanics of argumentation, some features of computer conferencing software that might support this teaching and learning method (e.g., strategies for sharing, examining and commenting on various kinds of evidence, threading a conversation, indicating type of message, linking to outside information, highlighting new…

A seminar on menopausal health was presented to a live audience and remote audiences at 10 sites in rural Queensland (Australia) via videoconferencing. Questionnaires completed by 128 audience members indicated positive reception of the content and delivery method. Similar replies from live and remote audience members indicated that the…

Describes the successful use of computer conferencing in a journalism feature writing class. Discusses how conferencing works, conferencing and pedagogy, stumbling blocks, benefits, and further applications. (SR)

An experimental project at the University of Victoria (British Columbia) offered student teachers professional consultation by teleconferencing and conference calls as a way of improving the cost efficiency of the service. The project had only partial success, as the students preferred the personal aspects of face-to-face supervision over the…

Discusses a continuing education course that reached 1000 viewers at 43 North American sites. Points out that each professor had 35 minutes for his presentation followed by a 10-minute call-in question and answer period. Notes polymer topics will be the focus of upcoming lessons. (MVL)