Considers the advent of surveillance societies--(i.e.,) societies where integrated surveillance of individuals is possible through various automated databases--with examples drawn from Canada and Sweden. Legislative efforts to regulate such developments and the role of data protection agencies are discussed. (13 references) (MES)

Distributed Data Processing, linking a central processing unit to remote computer sites, allows end users more control over their own destiny. Schools have distributed hardware and software but not talent. The primary goal of these staff experts should be to educate users as fully as they can. (MLW)

Explains the origins of technology assessment and defines the term. The method is discussed in general and with particular attention to use of the Delphi technique as a data-gathering tool for technology assessment studies. The method is suggested for considering the likely impacts of new information technologies on library and information…

Considers how performance support systems (PSSs) fit within a business training framework with its own ideal training principles and examines what theoretical principles of learning underlie learning with PSSs. Presents a formal model of learning support that maps out current implementations of this class of system, enabling discussion of its role…

Considers the higher education infrastructure and the lack of expected gains in productivity from information technology. Historical examples of slow gains in productivity following innovations in business and industry are given, and it is suggested that basic assumptions about how institutions function need to be questioned and new institutional…

Discusses extended ICA (Integrated Chameleon Architecture), a public domain toolset for generating text-to-hypertext translators. A system called SGML-MUCH has been developed using E-ICA (Extended Integrated Chameleon Architecture) and is presented as a case study with converters for the hypertext systems MUCH, Guide, Hyperties, and Toolbook.…

Provides an overview of the Internet. Discusses the ins and outs of e-mail, collaboration on the Internet, and accessing information. (SR)

Discusses planning for information technology (IT) in state government and reports on the IT planning experiences of eight state agencies in Florida. Florida's Information Resource Commission is described, the information resources management (IRM) planning process is explained, and recommendations for IRM for other states are given. (20…

Computer technology is not the be-all and end-all in adult literacy education. Although it will not solve all problems, using technology to its fullest potential can help students and teachers work smarter and "deeper." (JOW)

Describes the concept of Information Based Education, provides a theoretical basis for investigating the role of information in education, and begins developing a classification scheme for documenting and distinguishing among information bases. Attributes of information associated with information resources, information skills, information…

Discusses issues relating to intellectual property rights that are being affected by information technologies. A 1986 study by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) is discussed; intellectual property law is described, including copyright, patents, and trade secrets; and the involvement of the university community in considering intellectual…

Argues that, unless information technology managers pay attention to how people share information, advanced technological systems cannot achieve their full potential. Outlines how organizations can rebuild their information cultures, integrating human flexibility and disorder into information systems and changing employee behavior. (JOW)

Discusses how advancements in computer graphics technology, especially hypermedia, are changing the language of visual communication and defining multidimensional communication models that require new perspectives in information design. Suggests that an understanding of these new communication models can be enhanced by examining works of…

Offers an introduction to multimedia, the computer-controlled interactive medium that integrates in real time external visual and audio inputs with computer-generated text, graphics, animation, and audio. Discusses the multimedia team, multimedia's advantages and disadvantages, and multimedia today and in the future. Offers an extensive glossary…

Discussion of the telecommunications industry focuses on WDM (wavelength division multiplexing) as a solution for dealing with capacity constraints. Highlights include fiber optic technology; cross-connecting and switching wavelengths; SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) and wavelength networking; and optical TDM (Time Division Multiplexing). (LRW)