Describes a telecommunications project which linked a grade six classroom in Montreal with a grade seven classroom in Povungnituk (in northern Quebec). Discusses how the project was organized and the benefits in terms of how it helped to develop communication skills and promote cultural awareness. (MG)

Describes the concept of telework, or telecommuting, and its influence on the electronic community and organizational structures. The electronically distributed organization is discussed, and implications for research on telework are suggested in the areas of privacy regulation, self-efficacy, temporal aspects of employee behavior, communication…

Increasingly, universities are using teleconferencing and computer meeting systems for a variety of administrative and instructional purposes, including more efficient and effective meetings, hiring, business administration education, and writing compositions. Many U.S. and foreign institutions are using the GroupSystems technology developed at…

Suggests imaginary and currently possible uses of computers to keep children's curiosity alive and improve teaching. A sixth-grade dinosaur project involving a schoolwide network, compact discs, and e-mail is described as a fantasy. Real examples include using KIDSPHERE on the Internet and electronic networks for language, geography and science.…

Discusses the impact of electronic publishing, information networks, and new ways of accessing information on libraries. It is noted that the virtual library will still need human direction and that librarians' primary responsibilities will be in finding knowledge and teaching. (EA)

Discussion of science and math instruction for elementary and secondary students highlights the use of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL). Data collection, storage, and display are discussed, the use of databases to organize and manage information is described, and the exchange of ideas with other students through telecommunications is…

Examines technological innovation, analyzes books in academia, and refutes arguments in defense of the book, and discusses its reincarnation. A sidebar highlights the Columbia Institute for Tele-Information, a research center focusing on economic, management, and policy issues in telecommunications, computing, and mass media. (PEN)

This case study describes the use of an information technology vendor conference to assure the smooth opening of a public library in Portland, Oregon. Vendors for hardware, telecommunications, integrated library systems, and networks met with library administration and staff to troubleshoot problems and share information and to ensure a timely…

Compares broadcasting curricula of two-year and four-year colleges. Finds that most broadcast programs implement a blend of practical and theoretical courses, and that students at two-year and four-year schools are subjected to comparable course work and internship/practicum experience. Suggests that many students are not receiving enough…

Iowa has the only state-owned and operated telecommunications network in the nation. The fiber-optic network allows schools both Internet access and true interactive televised communication. The network's many advantages to rural schools include the course-sharing league in western Iowa, which has worked through various difficulties of distance…

The Education Network of Maine, the distance education arm of the University of Maine, delivers courses over an interactive television system, and has begun offering courses using the Web, videotapes, and other modes. Evaluations reveal that students have been satisfied with: logistics of courses offered, professors, and technology. An area of…

Provides some cursory guidance on the mechanics of establishing and instructing in a virtual classroom. Briefly discusses the history and central issues of distance education, describes how to teach an online virtual seminar, and offers recommendations for future courses. Discusses such issues as instructor availability, directing discussions,…

Reviews the history of distance education in South Dakota. Highlights include interactive videoconferencing on the Digital Dakota Network (DDN); four video consortiums for K-12 schools; the Rural Development Telecommunications Network; the Electronic University Consortium; higher Education opportunities via the Internet, satellites,…

Discussion of distance education, developments in communication technology, and communication theory focuses on the results of a study of university students that compared the dynamics of a traditional classroom with a virtual classroom facilitated by two-way audio-video technology. Considers email use, student interaction and collaborative…

Describes a distance education program developed at Grambling State University (Louisiana) that used partnerships with industry and another university to meet the needs of changing demographics, isolated rural populations, and decreasing government resources. Telecommunication service needs and developing and marketing content are discussed. (LRW)