Contains part of a speech given at the workshop "Student Access to New Information Technology in the Library Media Center." Suggestions for technological change are offered, including carrying out existing functions more effectively, changing work roles and organizational structure, developing new functions, and goals; and implications…

There are many ways in which electronic technology can be used to support developmental efforts in teacher evaluation. One important way will be providing unobtrusive and easy-to-collect documentation and feedback in evaluation. Computer-mediated telecommunication also has great potential for the promotion of professional development. (SLD)

Describes National Science Foundation efforts to support the work of educators and technologists in building national communications-based infrastructures in education. Explains educational needs and technological opportunities; characterizes the current status of educational networking; identifies challenges in laying a national computer network;…

Discusses the following questions in choosing distance education courses: Will I be able to "talk" with the instructor? Will I be able to talk with other course participants? Does the course include laboratories or other hands-on experiences? What equipment will I need to participate? What technical assistance will be available? Who is the course…

Developments in telecommunications are encouraging many educational institutions to examine the potential of distance instruction as a means of reaching larger audiences separated by distance. One unforeseen problem in distance education may be possible copyright violations. This article addresses some of these concerns and suggests strategies for…

In 1999, 108 of Appalachia's 406 counties were "distressed," with high poverty and unemployment rates. Three experts on Appalachia (Ron Eller, Amy K. Glasmeier, Greg Bischak) discuss problems and potentials of these counties, focusing on the working poor, welfare reform, the utility of social indicators, the challenge of changing the…

Explains Cultural Connections, a model for implementing constructivist, intercultural distance learning partnerships. Highlights include a theoretical framework; social constructivist pedagogy; intercultural communication; telecommunications; Web pages; and examples of a middle school partnership in Texas, a fourth-grade connection between Texas…

The staff of teacher education institutions in Scotland are under increasing pressure to ensure that teachers in training acquire a range of information and communications technology skills. This paper reports a study of current skills and attitudes of some Scottish training institutions and students' related experiences. Ways of ensuring…

Describes experiences of a school whose students use laptop computers to access school library resources, online databases, and local university online catalogs for research projects. Discusses use of a local area network that is partly wireless; and presents issues librarians should consider, including requiring print and electronic resources and…

The "Electronic School," a supplement to "The American School Board Journal," provides network news and contains six articles about closing the gap between technology haves and have-nots, library automation, putting Title 1 funds to use for technology purchases, funding from education foundations, using e-mail for board business, and cooperation…

The potential for the World Wide Web to drastically alter exploration of the liberal arts is examined. Possibilities include new alliances between faculty and among disciplines; exploitation of varied online resources for learning, particularly for distance learners; and improved access to teachers through electronic mail and conferencing. (MSE)

Includes three reports that describe how Utah's government, libraries, and educational institutions at all levels are becoming more effective through the use of computer and telecommunications technology. Highlights include public library connectivity; public school networks that provide Internet access; and higher education technology and…

Examines APPAL-LINK, the Southwestern Virginia Telepsychiatry Project. The project uses state-of-the-art telemedicine equipment to link a state psychiatric hospital with two rural, isolated community mental health center programs. Provides an overview of telemedicine and discusses the problems, opportunities, and future of the project. (MJP)

Examines the current status of online developmental courses. Features descriptions of programs at several colleges, including the names and e-mail addresses of individuals to contact for further information. Describes the hardware requirements for offering online courses as well as how such courses typically operate. (MAB)

Describes the pedagogical framework of an interdisciplinary, international project entitled NINTER (Networked Interaction: Theory-Based Cases in Teaching and Learning). Discusses a pedagogical model for teacher and staff development programs in a networked environment; distributed cognition; cognitive apprenticeship; challenges for educational…