Explored the use of e-mail by instructional faculty and staff, the quality of computing resources at their institutions, and the effects of technology use on workload. In fall 1998 Internet access was common for postsecondary faculty and staff, and 69% of full-time faculty and 46% of part-time faculty used e-mail to communicate with students in…

The father of a boy with autism reports on the events and emotions accompanying the presidential signing of Public Law 101-336, the Americans with Disabilities Act. A chart outlines the law's titles (employment, public service, public accommodations, telecommunications, and miscellaneous provisions); effective dates; regulatory deadlines; and…

Explains how the Directory Service (CCITT X.500/ISO 9594) became an international standard in response to the difficulties of keeping data on information network users current and accessible. Uses of X.500 are described, a technical overview is provided, its functions and protocols are assessed, and directory projects and products are discussed.…

Management of heterogeneous networks is complicated by the persistence of proprietary management schemes. The need for integration of network management capabilities is pressing. The International Organization for Standardization is developing standards for managing networks as part of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) effort. OSI management…

Reviews some of the projects and organizations concerned with promoting conformance and interoperability testing of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) products and describes OSI products available from computer manufacturers and vendors. A list of references includes 57 articles that mention specific vendors and 11 general articles about OSI…

Six articles address telecommunications issues that are relevant to library and information science. Topics discussed include national library networks, the growth of computer networks, telecommunications strategies for academic libraries, the need to increase process research in telecommunications, and the potential of future lightwave…

Discusses the three required components for telecommunications: a modem, software, and a computer. Reviews the advantages of CompuServe. Stresses that because all transmitted information is in text form, telecommunications technology places a large responsibility for future information exchange and communications with the classroom teacher and the…

Draws from site visits to 50 2-year colleges to identify computer applications in instruction, services to disabled students, testing, and distance education. Discusses areas in which computer technology has not been used to its full potential. (DMM)

The first of two articles describing the University of Michigan's experiences in installing an on-premise telecommunications system covers: (1) the physical, historical, and cultural context; (2) planning for the new system; (3) voice and data strategies of the system; (4) switching equipment and transmission media; and (5) financing and rates.…

Discusses problems and misconceptions concerning the appropriate use of computers in K-12 classrooms. The use of software to support computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is described, teacher-written software is discussed, telecommunications issues are considered, and the role of administrators and teachers is examined. (two references) (LRW)

Describes work to establish the Community College Satellite Network, a consortium for sharing telecommunications resources among member colleges in order to enhance staff development, curriculum sharing, and business/industry assessment and training. (DMM)

Surveys seven geographically and demographically diverse rural areas, assessing socioeconomic, personal, and sociocultural factors of information technology use. Finds that residents of commercial communities are as likely to use and be well disposed toward computer technologies as their nonrural counterparts, regardless of age, income, and…

Computing and information technology at Arizona State University have developed within the University's large, complex decentralized culture. Delivery of central services, faculty and student computing, networking, administrative computing, and the construction of a computing and network services building are discussed. (MLW)

Describes the use of telecommunications for distance learning in elementary and secondary schools. Satellite services are described, educational television is discussed, online computer services are explained, other distance learning technologies such as audio conference calls are described, and costs are discussed. (LRW)

Describes the Courseware Development Center at Tulsa Junior College (Oklahoma), which serves as a network hub for statewide sharing of locally developed audiovisual and microcomputer software. Considers the center's three major components: an electronic bulletin board, a courseware database, and a newsletter for instructional designers. (DMM)