Reviews three types of collective learning networks, teams, and communities. Advocates learning communities as a powerful way to stimulate shared learning. Warns that, although technology enables networked learning, group dynamics are crucial and must be considered. Describes progressive inquiry and team roles as ways to support collective…

Describes the development of technological design standards for a 35-school construction/renovation effort by Guilford County Schools in North Carolina. The standards encompassed the physical infrastructure, telephone systems, and paging systems. (EV)

During the library centralization effort at a large telecommunications company, certain middle managers balked at giving up their library collections. A consultant was hired to determine library goals and objectives, and a survey of middle managers was conducted. Once support for centralized library services was demonstrated, an official decision…

Analysis of consumer decision making following deregulation of the telephone industry (based on a sample of 500 Pennsylvania residents) shows that independent decision making and tendency to use information and influence others are highly interrelated. Four types of consumers were identified: influential, active, dependent, and nondecision makers.…

Extensive use of the telephone by businesses should cause business educators to look at the objectives of the telephone unit. In addition to telephone personality, voice characteristics, listening skills, and the use of the directory and yellow pages, the telephone unit can be expanded to include telephone features, special equipment, and…

This updated bibliography on information retrieval covers the period from late 1986 through mid-1988. The 1,059 references are organized in 11 subject sections. Author and permuted title indexes are included. (MES)

Discusses current RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network) communications technology and motivations for change. Goals, topology, hardware, software, and protocol, terminal wiring, and deployment are considered. Sidebars provide a diagram of the current RLIN communications technology and describe the integrated RLIN network. (one reference)…

Examines the implications of technology transfer in the area of computer and communications technology to the Asian third world. Benefits of and deterrents to technology transfer are explored, and experiences are discussed on a country by country basis. (19 references) (Author/MES)

Offers advice on what to look for in a voicemail system, how to evaluate bid proposals, what to include in a contract, and how to work with voicemail vendors. Discusses accountability questions and technological pitfalls, urges buyers to see the system "up and working," and suggests what not to expect of voicemail. (MAB)

Discusses results of a study that examined preservice and inservice teachers' use of hand-held Computer-Based Observational Assessment Tools (CBOATs) in a distance education environment using the Iowa Communications Network. The CBOAT studied was Learner Profile, which included a small bar-code reader and data management software. (LRW)

Presents Internet connections appropriate for mathematics education; provides descriptions of ways that mathematics educators can access electronic resources such as e-mail, discussion groups, gopher servers, and transfer of files; and provides hints and examples from classroom connections and professional applications. (18 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes resources available through INTERNET that are of interest to librarians, including electronic newsletters and serials, online library catalogs, bulletin boards, remote access to software or text files, utilities to help navigate the network, sources for learning more about the INTERNET, discussion list guides, and INTERNET library…

Using satellites, developing countries can extend telecommunications to remote areas. Recent innovations in broadcasting enable local populations to participate in communications via radio. (SK)

A comparison of 753 U.S. telecommunications workers with 655 in Hong Kong found a positive relationship between readiness for self-directed learning and job performance. U.S. respondents generally scored higher than did Hong Kong subjects on the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale. (SK)

This pilot project in distance education at the University of Minnesota used compressed video technology to link two campuses. Applications ranged from education and training sessions to policy planning meetings, and participants from a variety of fields were involved. Responses to a questionnaire administered to participants to assess the…