Discussion of the use of computers in education focuses on the development of a fully distributed computer environment at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The software, NEOS (Networked Educational Online System) is described, and its use in an engineering and scientific writing course and in an essay course is explained. (LRW)

Discusses the concept of information democracy, or access to information, in relation to information delivery; computerized community-based information systems, including grass-roots nonprofit organizations and private sector activities; the National Information Infrastructure (NII); empowerment; concepts of social justice; and designing the NII.…

Describes two experiments that investigated the influence of textual factors on the perception of bibliographic records. Topics include index descriptors; term overlap; extent of semantic distance; direction of semantic distance; generic trees of descriptors; relevance perception; and implications for the design of information retrieval…

Reviews the background and features of digital multimedia instruction, and discusses the benefits and limitations. Applications and future trends are described, and the major areas of applications--education, training, and entertainment--are identified. (Author/AEF)

This study uses the human approach to examine the sources and effectiveness of search terms selected during 40 mediated interactive database searches and focuses on determining the retrieval effectiveness of search terms identified by users and intermediaries from retrieved items during term relevance feedback. (Author/JKP)

The rapid adoption of graphic user interface (GUI), as indicated by Microsoft's Windows95 and the Internet's increased use of graphics, is threatening information technology opportunities for people with disabilities. Recent legislation requires that schools provide access to computers and information technology, and producers of Mosaic are…

Discusses the efforts of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to implement a statewide standardized electronic information processing system, the Institutional Information Processing System. Describes the steps taken by the NCCCS to decide on the appropriate platform, hardware and software vendors, and implementation timetable. (MAB)

Presents a theoretical model explaining how cultural influences may affect the open, dynamic system of a cross-cultural, end-user computing team. Discusses the relationship between cross-cultural factors and various parts of the model such as: input variables, the system itself, outputs, and implications for the management of such teams. (JKP)

Describes an interactive computer game developed for secondary school students to promote the teaching of multiculturalism. Discusses contextual difficulties, content, design strategy, prerequisites established by the psychology of education, screen design, and question answering. (AEF)

Describes a successful experiment at Oregon State University in which user access to an extensive CD-ROM library was improved through the development of a networked environment. Discussed are dial-in and Telnet access for users both on and off campus, future possibilities, and subscription and licensing fees. (three references) (EA)

Outlines the features and drawbacks of Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS). Praises the ease of use for end users and the variety of documents and other information available, but cautions users about searching problems resulting from the use of relevance ranking schemes. Calls for greater librarian involvement. (EA)

Describes the attributes of a virtual reality system, including flexibility, presence, control and interaction, and feedback; and identifies learning situations in which these attributes would play a key role. Research on virtual reality and related technologies at SRI International (formerly Stanford Research Institute) is summarized. (nine…

Discussion of the portability of educational software focuses on the software design and development process. Topics discussed include levels of portability; the user-computer dialog; software engineering principles; design techniques for student performance records; techniques of courseware programing; and suggestions for further research and…

Discusses possible technical services functions in electronic libraries of the future. Highlights include acquisition of electronic information; bibliographic control, including MARC format, bibliographic utilities, subject headings, and classification; systems planning, development, and evaluation; systems support; organization of technical…

Discusses knowledge acquisition and dissemination in a network environment. Obstacles to the electronic exchange of knowledge and functional requirements for knowledge acquisition, dissemination, and management are summarized. A prototype intelligent Internet interface that mediates knowledge acquisition and dissemination and preliminary test…