One of four reports designed to assess the current state of new technologies, the document reviews the present and future 5-year status of telecommunication technologies in regular and special education. Briefly described are technological and economic aspects of videotex/teletext, subscription services, satellite broadcasting, cable television,…

Designed to promote the interchange of information and services among the people of the region, the Eastern Caribbean Center Telecommunications Project Network (ECCTP) utilizes a network of both audio and computer-linked nodes connected by telephone lines to deliver instruction to remote sites. This network has been used by ECCTP to conduct…

This paper describes the BITNET communications system, a network which links more than 1,000 computers at over 350 institutions of higher education and research centers, including almost 200 in Europe (EARN), Canada (NetNorth), and Japan and the Far East. First, the capabilities of the "store-and-forward" network are described, including…

This chronology and policy analysis of U.S. telecommunications-related decisions from 1980 to 1988 begins with a narrative detailing the year-by-year issues and actions of the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Congress related to telecommunications. An overview of telecommunications policy is then provided, which briefly reviews: (1)…

This sociotechnical analysis assesses the effects on the educational environment of migrating from the currently fragmented analog system to an environment dominated by integrated digital telecommunications systems. An integrated telecommunications channel is at the heart of the design for an ISDN (integrated services digital network). ISDN is a…

This paper discusses distance learning with microcomputers and describes how the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has used and plans to utilize this technology. The paper is divided into the following topics of discussion: (1) distance learning systems with microcomputers; (2) educational needs of the U.S. Virgin Islands; (3) a profile of…

The purpose of this report is to assess the viability of developing commercial computer communications networks to provide communications services to the deaf community on a nationwide basis. Access to this network is considered for existing Baudot/Weitbrecht Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDDs) and ASCII terminals with Bell modems. The…

In spite of apparent successes, it remains questionable whether communications reform groups have had significant impact on public policy toward broadcasting and its role in American society. Historically, the progressive movement and the rise of government regulatory apparatus underlie the communications reform movement. But the effectiveness of…

The paper reviews the literature on information needs of parents and teachers of hearing impaired children and of the general public regarding hearing impairments. Survey results from a descriptive study on national patterns of information seeking and providing regarding hearing impairment are summarized in terms of information inquiries received…

This paper addresses the issues involved in the current applications of computers, both microcomputers and mainframe, by local (LEA) and state (SEA) education agencies' evaluation-research-assessment departments. The results of a recent survey of randomly selected local and state evaluation units are presented (20 LEA/20 SEA), as well as an…

Designed to assist educators in selecting a computer network, this paper contains a listing and description of seven networks that currently exist specifically for educators, and compares the quality of their services in the areas of accessibility, responsiveness, cost, text editing, humanization, guidance and documentation, control, forgiveness…

Designed to introduce new users to the Alaska State Department of Education's electronic mail system, MAILWAY, this manual is divided into two sections. The first explains the functions and components of an electronic mail system and describes the type of equipment needed to use the system, including basics on equipment hook-up. The second part…

Focusing on access to audience through broadcast time, this paper examines the status of research into the economics of broadcasting. The paper first discusses the status of theory in the study of broadcast economics, both as described directly and as it exists in the statement of the basic assumptions generated by prior work and general…

The paper examines several applications of telecommunications processes with handicapped persons, specifically telephone-based data communication systems. The functions of computer components--a microcomputer, modem, printer, and software--are described in terms of communication efficacy. Commercially available information bases are noted, as is…

This document is a review and study of current and prospective telecommunication policies in 17 countries with regard to the competitive market access those policies foster or promise. It explores the policies of each country toward information flow that will also have an impact on international competition. The aim of the study is to identify the…