The convergence of computer technology with telecommunications may transform our concept of classroom and school. The PLUTO Network Project, which links several countries in Europe in a collaborative distance learning network, is described. Three phases in the growth of educational uses of computer technologies are outlined. (IAH)

Reports on a study conducted by the Northern Illinois Learning Resources Cooperative to determine requirements and develop recommendations for a statewide library telecommunications network. Covers the results of a statewide needs assessment, the current status of library and educational telecommunications, trends, functional design criteria, and…

Describes the results of a three-year study that tracked actual and perceived future use of electronic communication for teaching, research, service, and personal activities by faculty at Eastern Illinois University. Use before and after a local area network (LAN) installation is discussed, and previous research is reviewed. (20 references) (LRW)

Predicts technological changes that will occur over the next 25 years and their impact on higher education. Highlights include overall trends in communications; digitization of information; the use of scanning devices; and neural networking. Thirteen questions about potential changes due to the information environment are listed. (KRN)

The Job Complex, a forum on career- and job-related concerns, was designed to allow for communication among clients and counselors. Although limitations in online communication do exist, the positives to cyber counseling include efficacy of the counseling approach; increased focus; elimination of prejudicial reactions; broadening perspectives;…

Schools are beginning to tap into the growing industry of Interactive Television (ITV) as a way to offer their students greater learning resources. Switching to the new distance-learning method of ITV requires knowledge of the technological terminology. A cost-analysis model is given as an example for business administrators. (KDP)

Reports on the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in graduate courses in the Adult Education Program at Syracuse University (New York). Highlights include features of the CMC courses; meeting student needs; student demographics; planning and implementation; course outcomes; evaluative measures; developing technical and instructional…

Colleges and universities are anticipating significant benefits from electronic transfer of student transcripts and other data, including reduced costs and time savings, improved academic advising, and standardization of information format. Early testing of the recommended software suggests institutions find the system useful. (MSE)

Discusses factors to consider when estimating the number of public access terminals (PACs) or workstations needed in public and academic libraries for online catalogs, including building size and layout, physical facilities, resources available through the system, peripheral equipment, graphical user interfaces, remote users, system capacity, and…

Introduces the information superhighway (the Internet), and presents a guide to navigating it. Offers basic instruction on obtaining and learning to use network accounts; locating addresses using Archie and Wide Area Information Server; retrieving information using file transfer protocol; utilizing Gopher to find and retrieve; browsing the World…

Contends that, although technology offers communications options unavailable without an electronic superhighway, it is not a panacea for educators. Discusses technological change and the difficulty for schools to keep up with new developments. Includes recommended reading resources and a selected list of K-12 educational networks. (CFR)

The area of finance should be the first one to be automated or upgraded with computers. After a needs analysis, a computer consultant will work with management to determine a realistic budget that will get the most computing power for the dollars available. Offers 10 tips for working with consultants. (MLF)

Amplifies five principles set forth at the 1994 World Telecommunication Development Conference held in Buenos Aires (Argentina) to identify the U.S. government role in developing a global information infrastructure. Highlights include private sector investment, competition, open access, flexible regulatory environment, universal service, and a…

Describes SPINN (School Project in Northern Norway), a collaboration between the University of Trondheim and secondary schools that was designed to develop experiences on pedagogical, technological, and organizational matters using data communication. Highlights include Windows-based software, organization and training, individual school projects,…

Discusses the role of the international organization INTERMON in education for social development. Highlights include objectives, content, values, conflict-resolution, cooperative learning, teacher training, and the use of audiovisuals, networked telecommunications, electronic mail, and teledebates. (AEF)