Reviews literature on the relationship between small businesses and the information sources and providers available to them; the use of information by small businesses; and the state of the information technology adoption process by small businesses, particularly as it relates to small-business information use. Also comments on changes in…

When used in managing college student records, electronic data interchange allows electronic student records to be fed directly into a receiving institution's database instead of being sent by mail. Although the process offers many clear advantages, one important question that must be addressed is how students' privacy will be protected under a…

The debate over the future of the student loan program has often been so rancorous that it obscures rather than illuminates the issues. The college student loan program of the future will be characterized by the acute need for excellent customer service, dependence on advanced communications technology, and intense competition among service…

Describes information technology programs in Maryland, including the Sailor Project, that created a statewide telecommunications network providing Internet access without charge from libraries, homes, offices, schools, and shopping malls; University of Maryland initiatives; distance learning in higher education; and a project that allows worldwide…

Discusses the implementation of information technologies and advanced telecommunications in Wisconsin. Highlights include an Internet dial access program; a statewide union catalog, WISCAT; the World Wide Web home page for the Department of Public Instruction; the Educational Technology Board; and Goals 2000 Technology Planning. (LRW)

Argues that a new paradigm is needed in addressing welfare reform, and introduces "Cyberfare" as that paradigm. Cyberfare is described as an economic and social support system that addresses issues of the information and technology age, global economy, and the changing role of families and social institutions. Its use is deemed vital to…

Outlines development by the United Kingdom's National Health Service Training Division (NHSTD) of a set of national standards for Information Management and Technology (IM&T) professionals in health care. Describes the technical-rational and "professional artistry" models of education and gives an overview of the Professional Awards…

Discusses a view of learning based on an individualistic model, which emphasizes the information aspect of information and communications technology. This view presents an incomplete view of the nature of learning and the teacher's role. An alternative perspective based on social psychology, activity theory, and social practice is outlined,…

Outlines features of constructivism and collaborative learning as they underpin a proposed model of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) support for learning. Evaluates the model in three projects involving ICT in primary, secondary, and higher education learning environments in the United Kingdom and considers the effectiveness of…

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) clearly identifies community colleges as integral players in creating a high quality workforce. With multiple funding streams, greater local control over system design, and a mandate for universal access, community colleges must be able to address the client tracking and data management challenges that…

Information technologies, particularly the personal computer and the World Wide Web, are changing the ways that scientists communicate. This article offers a new paradigm for communication in science, and suggests how digital media might bring new roles and functionalities to participants. The argument is made that behavioral and organizational…

Since 1900, comparative studies of education have progressed from copying "advanced" nations' systems for the elite, to considering cultural contexts, social inclusiveness, and wider cultivation of competencies. Computerized information technologies have rendered education increasingly interactive, accessible, and free. The study of such…

Information technology, empowered by those who control capital, has become the global infrastructure, resulting in the development of learning societies as superstructural phenomena. Four dimensions of the learning society--futuristic, planned, reflective, and market--are analyzed, and their implications for the study of comparative education are…

Instructional designers and researchers are attempting to identify the factors that determine which type of graphic visuals to employ in a specific situation as well as how best to utilize available resources. The use of three-dimensional graphics in a variety of media formats is addressed, including a discussion of specific instructional…

Reviews two books that give an overview of the broad spectrum of new educational technology advocates, what they have accomplished using various distance media in developing countries, and what they are proposing for the future. Weaves the reviewer's personal experiences with these projects into the review. Discusses implications for comparative…