Presents excerpts from selected state-of-the-art reports on initiatives for educational technology that were received from individual states in response to a request from the yearbook editors. The 16 states represented are California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North…

Ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication and record-keeping in college and university planned giving programs are outlined. Simple techniques are offered for using laptop computers, planned giving software, and institutional databases to improve access to information during travel and on campus. (MSE)

A national survey of 128 deaf and hard-of-hearing adults aged 18 to 70 years found a willingness to pay as much as $15 per month for new telephone-based information services. The most desired services were "enhanced 911," fire, police, and other life/safety services. Subjects also wanted such a network equipped with speech recognition…

A science teacher at small, rural Sheridan High School (Oregon) describes the development of a three-county telecommunications network for science teachers; benefits of the network in relieving teacher isolation and providing resources; and teacher and student use of the network in project-based science instruction. (SV)

Examines ways in which the federal government will stimulate the growth of information superhighways by reviewing four bills under consideration in the House and Senate; i.e., the National Information Infrastructure Act; the National Competitiveness Act; the Technology for Higher Education Act of 1993; and the Telecommunications and Information…

Describes the development of computer-based information services in New Zealand for education and the social sciences. Highlights include national systems; the influence of personal computer technology on the development of information services; the lack of a national information policy; and the lack of standardized software. (13 references) (LRW)

Discusses efforts of the Committee on Computer Activities of the American Philological Association (APA) to develop the telecommunications potential for classical scholars. Outlines plans for the implementation of an on-line newsletter, journal, conference, communication system, and announcement network. (DB)

Description of the University of Guam focuses on its role in distance education for Micronesia. An experimental distance education model based on the use of commercially produced videotapes is described, cost comparisons are made with on-campus courses, sociocultural educational implications are discussed, and prospects for the future are…

Discusses the use of teletraining to solve performance problems and discusses the role of the change agent in using teletraining successfully. Highlights include identifying performance problems; characteristics of teletraining; the teletraining adoption process (TAP); teletraining implementation process (TIP); and case studies at AT&T…

Considers the changes that new digital technology will bring to the cable television industry. Topics addressed include the media industry, including telephone companies, television networks, and cable companies; federal regulation; increased channel capacity; costs of mass media; monopolies; education on cable; electronic delivery of newspapers…

Brookline (Massachusetts) Public Schools has created a telecommunications network that encourages creative thinking, risk taking, thoughtful practice. Interested parties are advised to identify leadership team; rethink resources; identify potentially successful conference groups; learn to make deals; provide training and ongoing support; expect…

College campus "tours" offered online have evolved to include 360-degree views, live video, animation, talking tour guides, interactive maps with photographic links, and detailed information about buildings, departments, and programs. Proponents feel they should enhance, not replace, real tours. The synergy between the virtual tour and…

Describes three state-initiated programs that address the challenge of providing access to health care for Appalachia's rural residents: a traveling pediatric diabetes clinic serving eastern Kentucky; a telemedicine program operated out of Knoxville, Tennessee; and a new medical school in Kentucky dedicated to training doctors from Appalachia for…

Telematics in the form of text-based, computer-mediated communications can support teaching and learning and can help the formation and cohesion of communities of learners. This paper examines the development of a "critical community of learners" through this medium, based on experiences with students studying the Open University (OU)…

Provides contact information and brief descriptions of 13 high schools, colleges, community programs, and distance education schools receiving the Australian Rural Education Award in 2000. (SV)