Discusses the dilemma of national policy formation for information technology in the context of the national information infrastructure in the United States. Reviews technological forces shaping the convergence of computers and communications, describes current and future services, service providers and markets, and concludes with implications for…

Discusses issues of communication and power in the organizational dimensions of international technology transfer, including technoculture differences and strategic political alliances. Theoretical discussion is supplemented by analysis of international technology transfer activities involving Australian participation in the aerospace and…

A telecommunications curriculum was developed for students (ages 15-21) with physical disabilities. Curriculum content included an internal mailbox program (Mailbox), interactive communication system (Blisscom), bulletin board system (Arctel), and a mainframe system (Compuserv). (JDD)

Discusses the benefits of the Serial Item Contribution Identifier (SICI) standard for serials handling. Developed by the Serials Industry Systems Advisory Committee (SISAC), SICI applications through the use of a SISAC barcode are expected to benefit shipping, ordering, serials processing and claiming, document delivery, and information exchange.…

Lists 74 journal articles, books, and reports on telecommunications for librarians under the topics of introductory materials, the role of telecommunications in libraries, telecommunications with or without libraries, how-to information, networks and libraries, and future possibilities. (LRW)

Two papers present arguments for and against the Communications Competitiveness and Infrastructure Act of 1991 (S. 1200). Topics addressed include earlier policy recommendations, competition in the telecommunications industry, benefits of video dial tone availability, telephone company participation in video services, restrictions on telephone…

Provides background and insight into the totally new telecommunications network recently implemented by OCLC, as well as steps taken to assure that catastrophic events at critical carrier-network locations or disruptive cuts in carrier cable facilities do not result in widespread service outages for OCLC users. (four references) (DB)

Since 1985, the University of Missouri at Columbia's School of Journalism has been developing a high-technology environment for student work, including word processing, electronic imaging, networked personal computers, and telecommunications. Some faculty worry that the emphasis on technology may overshadow the concepts, principles, and substance…

Based on experiences at Empire State College, the potential of computer-mediated communication for preservice and inservice teacher education is examined. The use of electronic mail, synchronous and asynchronous links, online sources, uploading, and downloading are discussed. The need for teachers to master these skills as part of their…

Describes a project which developed a shared electronic environment of virtual reality using satellite telecommunications technologies to create desktop multimedia networking. The origins of the concept of shared electronic space are explained, and the importance for human communication of sharing both audio and visual space simultaneously is…

Describes a vision of the NREN (National Research and Education Network) as a set of public interest user organizations existing within the framework of the larger National Information Infrastructure to provide public information services that are the responsibility of government. The role of the private commercial sector is also discussed.…

Synthesizes empirical evidence on the participation of state and capital in the establishment of domestic telegraphic and telephonic communication in Latin America. Suggests that, in many ways, the contemporary period of telecommunication system organization in the region parallels the early years of telegraphy and telephony. Discusses these…

Explores the issue of interactivity in distance education courses being compromised through the use of telecommunications technology. Factors contributing to low interactivity are discussed, including one-way communication, schedule conflicts, and lack of standards; and ways to increase interactivity are suggested, including two-way communication,…

Based on Penn State's experience with distance education, critical policy issues are discussed: faculty control (developing an academic plan, linking to technology, community service) and defining students and resources (particularly access for part-time students). (SK)

Assisted by a sophisticated telecommunications system, 90 small, rural Minnesota schools collaborated to influence state legislation regarding funding equity and other issues. Small-school strategies for building political activism include seizing available opportunities, developing leadership capacity, involving political constituents,…