Libraries of all types connected with local cable companies were sent a survey questionnaire to determine to what extent, if any, a national satellite cable library network might already be in existence. Topics addressed included the degree of connectivity between libraries and cable companies, library facilities, and program interests. (RAA)

Summarizes the presentations of more than 30 leaders in the field of communications who met recently to discuss how telecommunications are going to affect our lives in the 1980s with particular regard to publishing, advertising, retailing, broadcasting, and cable television. (CHC)

Discusses the development of electronic technology in the newspaper industry, including the use of computers in print production, and satellites for teletext and videotext transmission. Highlights the impact of these innovations on readers' habits and in terms of government regulation and freedom of the press. (JMF)

This discussion of broadcast teletext explores some of the options available to public broadcasters and potential obstacles to implementing a teletext service. Topics covered include transmission alternatives, factors affecting service, design specifications, marketing possibilities, financial support, editorial control of information, standards…

Utilization of telecommunications and computer technology to increase access to information is identified as a primary goal for public libraries. To further service in the future, libraries should consider database services, online access to library resources, online community conferencing, community databases, network resource sharing,…

Compares three models for satellite systems in terms of design and costs in relation to other communications systems to show the most efficient and economical forms. (JMF)

Argues that technological developments in cable television, computers, and telecommunications could decentralize power and put the resources of the new technology more broadly at the command of individuals and small groups, but that this potential requires action to be realized. (Author)

Examines the computer networks as systems of power and focuses on the United States' domination of the hardware and software markets and on the international implications of this dominance. (JMF)

A decade of distance education practice has shown the following: academic achievement is enabled, teacher role changes, effective distance teachers become better classroom teachers, cost-effectiveness is only one measure of success, turf issues still remain, technology drives programs, and there is a tendency to fit technology to old teaching…

The challenge of distance learning is to create purposeful working relationships through distance communication systems. Distance learning systems that overemphasize educational technology, materialism, and modularized approaches to learning run counter to individual processes of growth and change. (SK)

Discussion of the use of telecommunications for curriculum development focuses on activity structures which can be used as instructional design tools. Rather than replicating lesson plans or other ideas from the Internet, activity structures encourage the creation of individualized, context-appropriate environments for learning. (LRW)

Responses from 102 of 140 Iowa secondary agriculture teachers revealed attitudes toward the interactive communications network (ICN), a two-way fiber optic telecommunications system. Teachers were concerned about such obstacles as scheduling ICN use and managing laboratory and supervised agricultural experience activities. They were undecided…

Customer service centers, call centers, engineering, and research and development divisions of a British telecommunications firm were examined to determine the effect of technological change on the development of competencies. Technology had different impacts on employment, career paths, skills, and competence development in different areas.…

An electronic requisition and purchase-order system helps Louisville's schools stay legal and efficient. Designated individuals in schools create requisitions electronically and route them to the purchasing department, which generates and sends out paper purchase orders after checking the requisitions for correctness and legality. (MLF)

Typically, the adult bureaucratic values of control, efficiency, and accountability set the climate for teaching and learning in the schools. The traditional teaching-as-transmission model of education should be replaced with one in which teachers and students are co-creators of the curriculum and collaborators in learning. (Author/JOW)