The first of two articles describing the University of Michigan's experiences in installing an on-premise telecommunications system covers: (1) the physical, historical, and cultural context; (2) planning for the new system; (3) voice and data strategies of the system; (4) switching equipment and transmission media; and (5) financing and rates.…

Discusses problems and misconceptions concerning the appropriate use of computers in K-12 classrooms. The use of software to support computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is described, teacher-written software is discussed, telecommunications issues are considered, and the role of administrators and teachers is examined. (two references) (LRW)

Describes work to establish the Community College Satellite Network, a consortium for sharing telecommunications resources among member colleges in order to enhance staff development, curriculum sharing, and business/industry assessment and training. (DMM)

Surveys seven geographically and demographically diverse rural areas, assessing socioeconomic, personal, and sociocultural factors of information technology use. Finds that residents of commercial communities are as likely to use and be well disposed toward computer technologies as their nonrural counterparts, regardless of age, income, and…

Computing and information technology at Arizona State University have developed within the University's large, complex decentralized culture. Delivery of central services, faculty and student computing, networking, administrative computing, and the construction of a computing and network services building are discussed. (MLW)

Describes the use of telecommunications for distance learning in elementary and secondary schools. Satellite services are described, educational television is discussed, online computer services are explained, other distance learning technologies such as audio conference calls are described, and costs are discussed. (LRW)

Describes the Courseware Development Center at Tulsa Junior College (Oklahoma), which serves as a network hub for statewide sharing of locally developed audiovisual and microcomputer software. Considers the center's three major components: an electronic bulletin board, a courseware database, and a newsletter for instructional designers. (DMM)

Describes Pennsylvania Research and Economics Partnership Network (PREPnet), which links research universities, Bell of Pennsylvania, and the State of Pennsylvania. Highlights include the U.S. communications and information infrastructure compared to other countries; and the need for national networks that will link higher education; business,…

Examines the impact of electronic communications systems on library networking, using such examples as interlibrary loans and union catalogs to illustrate the effects of telecommunications on library services. The need for strict adherence to library standards in order to ensure continued library cooperation is discussed. (CLB)

Presents a categorization of distance education methodologies in the form of a taxonomy that compares correspondence study-based distance education approaches with telecommunications-based approaches. Interaction between teachers and students and between students themselves in the distance learning process is highlighted, and a new definition of…

This economic analysis compares the costs of two training alternatives for inservice teacher training in rural areas: (1) actual training delivered via telecommunications, and (2) estimated costs of an equal amount of on-site training. A project at Utah State University using interactive television for early education staff teaching handicapped…

The International Education and Resource Network (I*EARN) creates an international classroom in which students work together on global education projects and literary and current events publications. Teacher David Egan describes some of the many activities available to students on the network. (LZ/Author)

Discusses significant new developments in the electronic search process: (1) New Government Automation; (2) New Federal Initiatives; (3) New Telecommunications Services; (4) Campus Data Bases; (5) Off-Campus Data Bases; (6) Faxed or E-Mailed Resumes; (7) Automation of 3rd-Party Recruiters; (8) New Cyberservices; (9) Interview-Prep Software; (10)…

Ways in which college alumni officers are using emerging technology to enhance regional programming and distance communication are described, including World Wide Web sites, electronic mail, and satellite and video technologies. Suggestions are made for getting started: defining goals, doing research, offering inexpensive connections, and…

Discusses the uncertainty surrounding the application of the First Amendment to electronic bulletin boards, listservs, electronic conferences, and other exchanges of electronic information at public colleges and universities. Applies the notions of nonpublic forums and designated open forums to the computer network. (MLF)