Discusses information retrieval standards as tools for interoperability among systems and traces the development of de jure and de facto standards in the U.S. and international telecommunications environment. Implementation of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and Z39.50 standards is described. (EA)

A computer-based group decision support system (GDSS) to increase collaborative group productivity and creativity is explained. Various roles for the computer are identified, and implementation of GDSS systems at the University of Mississippi and International Business Machines are described. The GDSS is seen as fostering productivity through…

Recommends ways in which the National Science Foundation can promote educational reform through the development of a national telecommunications system accessible to all schools and through support for project-enhanced science learning. Describes existing networks, factors in making a national network useful and accessible to teachers, and…

Discusses the importance of developing a national communications and information infrastructure to meet short-term needs. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Open Platform Proposal, based on ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is described, and recommendations for public policy criteria for evaluating infrastructure proposals are included.…

Provides an interview with K. Wayne Smith, chief executive officer of OCLC, that focuses on OCLC's online reference services. Topics include the ratio between technical and online reference services, how OCLC fits into the online industry, telecommunications, electronic publishing, pricing, database tape leases, and CD-ROM. (EAM)

Describes a proposed National Research and Education Network designed to meet the needs of scholars and researchers, and discusses the technical and political aspects of such a network. The possible impacts on library roles and services are explored, and the need to extend existing networks to include public, school, and rural libraries is…

Describes a cost-effective model for public elementary and secondary school educational networking that is based on linking local computer bulletin boards at the school level with the Internet. Highlights include various communications protocols; graphics; teacher training and administrative support; library resources; public readiness; and cost…

Describes how Sinclair Community College (Dayton, Ohio) has used technological advances in computing and telecommunications to enhance its initiatives in distance learning, curriculum development, applied research in instructional delivery, and professional development. (JDI)

Educational change is often accompanied by a blurring of traditional boundaries among various institutions and chief participants. At all levels, historical lines of authority and presumed centers of expertise are disappearing, thanks to redefined roles, redistributed decision-making responsibility, and new technologies. Transformative examples…

Discusses results of a survey of 112 network and telecom managers--members of the Communications Managers Association (CMA)--to identify problems relating to the operation of large enterprise networks. Results are presented in a table under categories of: respondent profile; network management systems; carrier management; enterprise management;…

Discusses the rise of computer networks, telecommuting possibilities, the growing global economy, and possible resulting trends in the population of cities. Implications for higher education are suggested, including the centralization of certain core operations and the decentralization of other services to address the varied needs of students.…

Outlines initiatives for government agencies to help mitigate risks of the year-2000 computer problem. Highlights include courts; criminal justice systems; electric power generation and distribution systems; emergency response systems; environmental agencies; financial institutions; insurance industry; petrochemical refineries and oil/gas-line…

This study used content analysis to identify the communication conventions and protocols that real-time, interactive electronic chat users developed in instructional settings. Most frequently used conventions included sharing information/techniques for conveying meaning and indicating interest in a topic, using keywords and names of individuals,…

Describes problems with the use of technology in German universities and discusses ways to improve the current situation. Topics include a lack of government funding and leadership, distance education possibilities, available hardware and Internet connections, the need for curriculum development, and introducing English as the working language.…

"Microwave Workshop for Windows" consists of three programs that act as teaching aid and provide a circuit design utility within the field of microwave engineering. The first program is a computer representation of a graphical design tool; the second is an accurate visual and analytical representation of a microwave test bench; the third…