Presents a series exchanges between two information and communication studies professors (one American and one Japanese) on the future of multimedia in the two countries and the technological changes that make multimedia growth possible. Issues discussed include the kinds of infrastructure being developed; impacts on education; and the cultural…

Describes the impact of information technology on the physical and functional organization of libraries and briefly discusses technical issues, including wiring and distribution, access to power sources, codes, lighting, and security. The Duke University Library and the Purcellville (VA) public library's renovation and expansion plans are…

Describes activities conducted in a fourth-grade classroom in Cincinnati (Ohio) with low-income students through the AT&T Learning Network. Students' developing interest in subject areas including national news, environmental issues, child support, coping with death, computer literacy, school rules, cultural awareness, and local history is…

Discusses a survey of over 500 public, academic, and special libraries on the use of bibliographic, reference, specialized, and multimedia/interactive CD-ROMs and the Internet. Demand, funding, and equipment needs are considered, and graphs display the distribution of results. (AEF)

This study investigated the effectiveness of introducing e-mail applications into preservice elementary science methods courses at two distant universities. Interviews with instructors and analysis of correspondence between students indicated that, despite problems of incorporating e-mail into the course, interest level in and attitudes toward…

Presents a case study of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in a group discussion course at Marist College (New York). Highlights include advantages of CMC, including more interaction and increased learner control; efficient information access, including access to the Internet; and student attitudes toward CMC, including differences between…

Discusses changes in scholarly and cultural records resulting from the transition from print to electronic information. The role of libraries is considered, including licensing agreements, interlibrary loans, broadcast media, networks, preservation of records, and dangers of centralization; and problems with reliance on electronic information…

Argues that K-12 media educators and librarians should become vocal advocates for Internet connection in their elementary and secondary schools. Topics include K-12 uses of the Internet; Internet resources; FrEdMail (Free Educational Electronic Mail); and a BITNET computer conference. Appendices list computer conferences, networking contracts, and…

Suggests guidelines to consider when choosing electronic reference tools for school libraries, including stand-alone systems versus networked versions; other resources that give access to the same information; annual updates; replacement costs; equipment needs; student and teacher needs; training time needed; and ease of use. (LRW)

Discusses the integration of technology into the curriculum and how to design an interactive technological learning environment based on the concept of scientific sense-making. Highlights include the importance of sense-making in science education and an experiment on curriculum design for a fifth- to sixth-grade unit on seasonal change. (Contains…

The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is focusing on interactive and multimedia technologies, within the framework of a virtual commons, to promote the study of people, their environments, and their resources. (AEF)

Multi-Media Detectives was a project where fifth graders in three Michigan school districts were linked to a children's bulletin board. The goal was to have students "think global but link local" by using online resources to search for local facts and local celebrities and to bring them to life via technology. (JMV)

Examines the use of various networks in schools for productivity, including student assignments, interactive learning systems, attendance, student schedules, student placement, electronic mail, classroom presentations, library automation, and shared CD-ROMs; and collaboration, including curriculum discussions, constructivist activities,…

Issues in the evaluation of the virtual law library are examined, including technological considerations, finance, and accreditation concerns. Conventional library evaluation and development of standards for virtual libraries are discussed. It is proposed that evaluation focus on information service outputs and access rather than library…

Presents five articles and a company resource directory to help librarians successfully incorporate technology into school libraries. Discusses actual situations, examines student needs, and gives advice to help librarians with library automation systems, videodiscs, library security systems, media retrieval, networking CD-ROMs, and locating…