Considers the implications of possible policy initiatives in the United States in light of Swedish experience in dealing with the privacy of computerized records. (CWM)

Presents a brief preliminary observation of the Non-Aligned News Agency Pool and its relationship to other news services, evaluates its performance to date, and speculates on its future. (JMF)

Examination of computer, library network and telecommunications industries. Models of current networks are presented and evaluated with recommendations. (KP)

The telecommunication agreement reached by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1997 will accelerate the global trend toward increased market access, competition, and deregulation. Examines opportunities for marketing and operations, dispute resolution and enforcement, profitability, and the exclusion of Russia and China. Includes the WTO…

Discusses learning based on the World Wide Web for elementary and secondary schools. Topics include evolution of the World Wide Web; attributes that permit the design of superior learning activities in the areas of communications, information retrieval, and information sharing; integrating Web-based activities into the curriculum; and pertinent…

Surveys the differing opinions on the value of universal telephone service and examines to what extent society should continue the policy of universal service in the information age. Identifies the different approaches that have been put forth to achieve, maintain, and fund universal service in a telecom industry increasingly driven by competition…

The Internet is revolutionizing communications among university researchers, scientists, and industry. It overcomes geographic remoteness, time zone differences, travel costs, and cultural differences. (SK)

This special issue is based on papers presented at an international conference held in 1996 in Belgium. Focus is on the convergence between telecommunications and broadcasting from a culturalistic perspective, by historically mapping developments in communication technology vis-a-vis cultural processes in the ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian…

More than 40 leading computer and telephony companies have united to lead the charge toward open standards and universal interoperability for Internet telephony products. The voice of IP Forum (VoIP) is working to define technical guidelines for two-party, real-time communications over IP networks, including provisions for compatibility with…

Technology, one of several delivery options for adult learning, has the advantages of personalization and interactivity. New digital television and satellite arrangements in Britain are not making provision for educational uses. New learning support structures for technology use are needed. (SK)

While bridging physical distance between instructor and student in telecommunications learning is important, the potential for psychological and social distancing should not be overlooked. This article presents three phases of learner-centered distance teaching: preactive, interactive, and postactive. A table summarizes strategies for minimizing…

Critically reflects on the author's experience teaching composition at a community college via low-end noninteractive telecourse technology. Suggests that a course that strives to teach analysis and critical thinking skills should not be taught with noninteractive technology. (TB)

Describes a web-based technology bank that provides examples of university research of interest to businesses. Addresses the use of electronic communications for dissemination, highlighting potential problems: considerable database maintenance, the volume of information and number of links, and appropriateness of links. (SK)

Federal Communications Commission (FFC) chair Reed Hundt was interviewed regarding the criteria the FCC should adopt to determine telecommunications rate discounts for libraries. Hundt believes that while the American Library Association has been very active in communicating ideas, individual librarians have not participated enough in the process.…

Describes a model for team developmental assessment of high-risk infants using a fiber-optic "distance learning" televideo network in south-central New York. An arena style transdisciplinary play-based assessment model was adapted for use across the televideo connection and close simulation of convention assessment procedures was…