Offers advice on what to look for in a voicemail system, how to evaluate bid proposals, what to include in a contract, and how to work with voicemail vendors. Discusses accountability questions and technological pitfalls, urges buyers to see the system "up and working," and suggests what not to expect of voicemail. (MAB)

Discusses results of a study that examined preservice and inservice teachers' use of hand-held Computer-Based Observational Assessment Tools (CBOATs) in a distance education environment using the Iowa Communications Network. The CBOAT studied was Learner Profile, which included a small bar-code reader and data management software. (LRW)

Presents Internet connections appropriate for mathematics education; provides descriptions of ways that mathematics educators can access electronic resources such as e-mail, discussion groups, gopher servers, and transfer of files; and provides hints and examples from classroom connections and professional applications. (18 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes resources available through INTERNET that are of interest to librarians, including electronic newsletters and serials, online library catalogs, bulletin boards, remote access to software or text files, utilities to help navigate the network, sources for learning more about the INTERNET, discussion list guides, and INTERNET library…

Using satellites, developing countries can extend telecommunications to remote areas. Recent innovations in broadcasting enable local populations to participate in communications via radio. (SK)

A comparison of 753 U.S. telecommunications workers with 655 in Hong Kong found a positive relationship between readiness for self-directed learning and job performance. U.S. respondents generally scored higher than did Hong Kong subjects on the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale. (SK)

This pilot project in distance education at the University of Minnesota used compressed video technology to link two campuses. Applications ranged from education and training sessions to policy planning meetings, and participants from a variety of fields were involved. Responses to a questionnaire administered to participants to assess the…

This survey elicited experts' perceptions of factors affecting development and use of interactive technologies. Responses from 196 respondents were categorized as hardware/technology, software/programs, acceptance/adoption, accessibility/ease of use, and instruction/learning/communication issues. Based on this categorization, a model of…

Describes the Nebraska Library Commission's experiences with modem sharing on their local area network (LAN). Asynchronous communications servers (ACSs) are described, selecting software for an ACS is discussed, pricing and compatibility is considered, and two sidebars list network-compatible terminal software and companies that provide ACS…

Telematics, the combined use of computers and telecommunications networks, is increasingly becoming part of the vocabulary of trade unions. Workers' organizations are using telematics for mailing lists, information dissemination, telecourses, and computer conferencing. (SK)

Computer bulletin board systems, commercial services, technical services, and academic/professional networks are described. Directions on how to get started using these types of networks and examples of ways they can be used are provided. (KR)

Discusses issues involved in the creation of the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Telecommunications technology is described; support from industry and libraries is discussed; and problems with NREN are raised, including equal access to computerized information, privacy issues, and protection of First Amendment rights. (LRW)

One company created a process to fill job vacancies from within through the use of an electronic job-posting system. A computerized skills bank of employees was developed which human resource managers can search for appropriate candidates for job openings. Employees benefit through access to employment opportunities and organizations can maximize…

Key adult education management functions (planning, directing personnel, organizing work, staffing, and evaluating) can be enhanced through appropriate technologies. Of particular interest to administrators are computer-based communications, management information systems, and desktop application software such as spreadsheets, groupware, and…

Determines the relationships between ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) adoption and four organizational variables: university size, type, finances, and information-processing maturity. Identifies the current status of ATM adoption in campus networking in the United States. Contains 33 references. (DDR)