After receiving a state grant to buy telecommunications equipment, high school students in two Detroit-area schools communicate across racial boundaries using computers and fax machines. The "Connections" program was developed to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on joint research projects and reports. (SM)

Describes the Library Cable Network (LCN), a public access cable television network in Illinois. Discussion covers costs; organization and personnel; programing, including a series of author interviews, children's programs, and features on local attractions; new audiences, particularly minority and ethnic groups; and future telecommunications…

The distance education program offered by the University of Oklahoma was studied to determine the impact of telecommunications media upon learning outcomes. Comparison of the attitudes and achievement of students enrolled in the telecommunications course and a control group showed no differences in learning between the groups at any level. (18…

Students can participate in worldwide environmental adventures from the classroom. The Puddles to Pondwater software program introduces students to ponds and freshwater creatures worldwide. Students can adopt team members on the Congo Expedition, a group studying the African environment, and follow the expedition via satellite data and…

Describes a telecommunications session that enabled a class of fifth-grade students to interview international visitors at a distance. Topics addressed include the collaborative effort between Appalachian State University, public schools, and businesses to form a telecommunications network using Integrated Services Digital Network; and student…

Reviews three articles that discuss the ways gender issues and personal characteristics impact computer use. One paper proposes an alternative to using Likert-style attitude measures to study the computer gender gap, and two articles discuss the personal characteristics of teachers that influence computer use. Related studies are mentioned and…

Discussion of interactive television (ITV) focuses on a college sociology course taught at the University of Minnesota that used ITV. Topics addressed include cooperative learning; instructional design; student relationships; planning, including equipment needs; student participation; analysis of the discourse; and students' feedback. (nine…

Two articles evaluate the impact of new transmission and information technologies on education: "Technology and Education--Friend or Foe?" (Pelton) and "Third Generation Distance Education: The Challenge of New Technology" (Bates). (SK)

The infrastructure created by fusing computing and communications technologies is described. The effect of this infrastructure on the economy and society of the United States is discussed. The importance of knowing the value and role of information is emphasized. (KR)

Questions the wisdom of permitting visions of the electronic library to drive budgets and strategic planning. Social and economic realities limiting user access to information, new roles for librarians, and models that guide management of information resources and services by real librarians for real users are discussed. A proposed action agenda…

Contains part of a speech given at the workshop "Student Access to New Information Technology in the Library Media Center." Suggestions for technological change are offered, including carrying out existing functions more effectively, changing work roles and organizational structure, developing new functions, and goals; and implications…

There are many ways in which electronic technology can be used to support developmental efforts in teacher evaluation. One important way will be providing unobtrusive and easy-to-collect documentation and feedback in evaluation. Computer-mediated telecommunication also has great potential for the promotion of professional development. (SLD)

Describes National Science Foundation efforts to support the work of educators and technologists in building national communications-based infrastructures in education. Explains educational needs and technological opportunities; characterizes the current status of educational networking; identifies challenges in laying a national computer network;…

Discusses the following questions in choosing distance education courses: Will I be able to "talk" with the instructor? Will I be able to talk with other course participants? Does the course include laboratories or other hands-on experiences? What equipment will I need to participate? What technical assistance will be available? Who is the course…

Developments in telecommunications are encouraging many educational institutions to examine the potential of distance instruction as a means of reaching larger audiences separated by distance. One unforeseen problem in distance education may be possible copyright violations. This article addresses some of these concerns and suggests strategies for…