Summarizes recent research examining the effectiveness and acceptability of teleconferencing as compared with face-to-face communication. Experiments have measured behavior as well as attitudes. (JMF)

Focusing on university programs for adult learners, this discussion of distance education reviews existing programs, including the British Open University and the Annenberg/CPB Project; discusses course design; and describes the integration of a variety of media including television, video cassettes, audio, computer assisted instruction, radio,…

Discusses some of the advances made by engineering educators in the development and use of instructional television (ITV). Provides suggestions on how new ITV satellite linkages between universities, industry, government laboratories, and technical societies can offer opportunities for faculty development. (TW)

Live microwave broadcasts from two special education and six regular elementary classrooms are disseminated nationally via satellite, providing a special observation laboratory experience available to teacher preparation institutions. Observation theory is merged with effective teaching research in an instructional model that has demonstrated…

The rapid evolution of information technology is discussed. Some of the changes and the challenges the changes present to institutions to appropriately organize and manage their information resources and services to meet the needs of the campus community are examined. (Author/MLW)

Describes readiness activities which introduce telecommunications skills into the classroom. Computer activities and programs that simulate message writing and data retrieval are highlighted, and writing exercises that do not require computers are also included. Specific instructions are given for PFS readiness, a program which simulates an…

Discusses the theoretical basis for integration of information functions and communication functions, the relevance of this integration in the scientific information cycle, and its positive effect on commodity research networks. The application of this theory is described using three commodity programs of the Centro Internacional de Agricultura…

In these four technology-related articles, Robert DeHart examines uses of satellite technology; Jack Pirkey describes televised instruction at Tarrant County Junior College (Texas); Baxter Hood focuses on occupational curriculum development at York Technical College (South Carolina); and Richard Schinoff considers computer-based student services…

This overview provides a technological context for the telecommunications age by describing existing and emerging systems--telephone, broadcasting, cable television, fiber optic, satellite, optical disk, and computer technology--and services available via these systems. It is suggested that educators need to become technologically literate and…

Introduces concept of the education utility (supplies clients with equipment and software to gain access to information in databases, computer programs, electronic mail networks) and explores methodologies that might be used to deliver services to subscribers, primarily schools. Potential uses of a utility and possible advantages and disadvantages…

Computer conferencing (CC) is rapidly becoming a viable and useful adjunct to many distance education delivery systems. This paper deals with the general questions of what might constitute exemplary practice in using CC for teaching and learning, as well as features to look for when selecting a CC system. The "Do's" include: test the technology…

Panelists and participants of the Global Summit on Distance Education addressed the roles of the private sector, governments and educational institutions in creating equitable and useful distance education services as telecommunication policies and rules are changing worldwide. This report provides an executive summary, summary of proceedings, and…

This paper illustrates ways to combine online conference participation with face-to-face meetings and other social supports to humanize asynchronous electronic communications in an applied organizational communication class offered through the University of Hawaii at Manoa Communications Department. The overall methodology and intent of this…

The Universal Service Fund, or E-rate, is a landmark funding measure that will change forever the role of technology in K-12 education. The fund allows eligible schools and libraries to purchase networking equipment, telecommunication services, internal connections, and Internet access at substantial discounts. Accompanied by the 3Com E-rate…

The potential uses of online communication in the preparation of preservice and inservice secondary mathematics teachers transcend the traditional geographic benefits of distance education. Not only can the technology provide asynchronous instruction over great distances, it may also be used to create genuine opportunities for keeping pace with…