Results of a personality assessment questionnaire revealed three basic personality characteristics which are predictive of student achievement in telecourses: (1) high performers were the most self-sufficient; (2) the least compulsive students earned the highest grades in their courses; and (3) telecourse students who performed at the highest…

Describes a project at SUNY (State University of New York) colleges that was designed to deliver wide area network access to CD-ROM-mounted databases to share library resources. Discusses the need for unsaturated telecommunications lines of sufficient bandwidth; CD-ROM applications software; and stable, proven network software. (LRW)

While "globalization" has advantages for powerful societies and cultures, the less fortunate risk cultural leveling. In information and communication technologies, the English language predominates. Discusses information awareness in the Francophonie; the "Agence de la Francophonie" (ACCT); the "Banque Internationale…

Outlines key issues, principles, and planning and development issues for instructional design in virtual learning environments. Addresses new teaching strategies and support for teacher competence with information and communications technology. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

Analysis of British survey data on 5,885 adults showed that 42% reported learning participation in the last 3 years; 36% reported none since leaving school. Access to information/communications technology was associated with age, class, and educational attainment. Technology did not itself increase participation among those already inclined not to…

Examines effects of incorporating telecommunications into a reading methods course on pre-service teachers' attitudes towards and efficacy in using technology. Considers whether electronic dialoguing would make a difference in pre-service teachers' attitudes. Concludes that the confidence and attitude of preservice teachers involved in hands-on…

Data were collected from interviews, questionnaires, and cyber-ethnography in a British further education college and a university implementing information and communications technology. Change management created conflict; some change methods were viewed as top down and coercive, but bottom-up changes raised concerns about structure and course…

The TransParent School Model was developed to improve the communication between parents and teachers using new technology. Teachers record information about class content, homework assignments, and parenting skills; parents can call an answering machine to get the information they need. (JOW)

Compares three methods of data entry available to database producers--keyboarding, optical scanners, and electronic input--in terms of turnaround time, accuracy, and cost. It is concluded that, although the trend is toward electronic submission, all three methods will remain as viable options in the foreseeable future. (CLB)

Argues that organizations need to integrate information systems, database management systems, and telecommunications in order to effectively manage and move information. Well-established frameworks in each of these areas are described and a new integrated framework is presented. A descriptive example is used to illustrate the power of the…

Discusses the importance of British databases and information services to U.S. business searchers and describes several British databases and services. Topics covered include database contents, available search strategies, access from the United States, language differences, and dating problems. A directory of contacts is provided. (six…

Discusses ways in which artificial intelligence could be applied to improve the ease of use, quality of retrieval, and organization of data in online services or CD-ROM. (MES)

Describes the development, current status, and possible future of NSFNET, which is a backbone network designed to connect five national supercomputer centers established by the National Science Foundation. The discussion covers the implications of this network for research and national networking needs. (CLB)

Describes a computer network developed at the School of Engineering at Rice University which links users to a supporting mainframe and other major computing facilities, and creates an electronic studio for students. Topics discussed include network planning, design, and maintenance; software and courseware used; and implications for other academic…

Examines the fundamental cultural values and political attitudes of communications students at the beginning of their professional education. Compares profiles of students in advertising, print and broadcast journalism, telecommunications, and public relations. (MM)