Discusses the establishment, scope, constraints, and approach of the MacBride Commission for the study of communication problems. (JEG)

Provides a brief overview of advances in electronic technologies during the past five years in the processing, storage, and transmission of information. The author also comments on software implementors, systems designers, management teams, and their organizations, and notes some problems. (Author/JD)

An exploratory attempt to generate preliminary data with a limited sample, this study examines the feasibility of elementary school children and their teachers using infra-red false color landsat images in the pursuit of social studies. (JC)

Discusses technology use plans (TUPs) that schools need for E-rate discounts that are available through the Federal Telecommunications Act. A Technology Plan Analysis Rubric is included that is used to evaluate whether a TUP has the elements considered essential as described in educational research and confirmed by practicing technology…

Reviews the building of a national information infrastructure, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, deregulation of communications media, and the critical importance of a public voice in shaping the communications landscape for years to come. (SK)

Describes how to increase school safety with the use of wireless local area networks and wireless telephones. (PKP)

Describes the fiber optics programs at the Career and Technical Center in Berlin, Pennsylvania and the Charles S. Monroe Technology Center in Loudoun County, Virginia. Discusses the involvement of the Fiber Optic Association with education, research and development, manufacturing, sales, distribution, installation, and maintenance of fiber optic…

Presents key elements for successful staff development programs concerning the use of telecommunications in schools. Highlights include offering a variety of options, emphasizing skill development, providing hands-on experience, tailoring to local situations, using examples, and providing support materials. (LRW)

Communications technologies do more than solve practical problems such as overcoming learner distance. They can add new dimensions to courses. Although effective adult learning should not be technology driven, adult educators can take a proactive role in ensuring the appropriate use of technologies. (SK)

Explains the development of WAP (wireless application protocol), how it works, and what the major advantages and disadvantages are, especially when applied to the use of information. Topics include standardization; mobile communications; the effect of WAP on business tools, electronic commerce, and information services; consumers; corporate users;…

Predicts 10 megatrends: (1) renaissance in the arts; (2) high-wage economy; (3) decline of the cities; (4) globalization and individualization of the electronics media; (5) retraining of managers; (6) global privatization; (7) English as the universal language; (8) no limits to growth; (9) dominance of the Pacific Rim; and (10) worldwide free…

Muses on the apparently appealing possibilities of the idea of a global village. States that the term "electronic village" is a more appropriate metaphor, suggesting a strange confluence of entertainment and power, image, and reality. (PA)

An elementary school principal shares some anecdotes about Utah schools' leadership in using the Internet. He describes Salt Lake City youngsters' e-mail communications with other elementary schoolers in Russia, England, Hong Kong, and elsewhere. Although cost can be a limiting factor, the educational benefits of Net-surfing are substantial. (MLH)

To interlink major systems, some communication companies are proposing construction of communication towers on school grounds. Schools and municipal governments possess strategically located, unzoned properties. Districts planning to tap this financial oil well should draw up a lease agreement specifying property use, term, rent, access rights,…

Reviews telecommunications resources found on the Internet: newsgroups, listservs, government information sources, and telecommunications business sites. A sidebar provides a list of the resources and their Internet addresses. (JMV)