This annual publication seeks to inform interested readers about important concerns of currently confronting the United States. An introduction provides: a brief discussion of individuals in the Reagan Administration; a list of the leadership positions and committees in the 100th Congress--the reader must fill in the person for each position; a…

Activities undertaken by 43 states including Maryland to promote technological innovation and economic growth and the impact of these activities are identified. Implications for Maryland are also noted in a brief section of recommendations. State initiatives include: sponsoring research and development at colleges and companies, improving the…

Technological delivery systems currently available or in use are examined for adaptability by rural schools, especially high schools faced with increasing demands to expand curriculum. This report focuses on the Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory's (McREL's) service area of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South…

A program referred to as Language Skills Computer Assisted Instruction (LaSCAI) was chosen to assist volunteer tutors in improving the reading skills of adults. The program was demonstrated at two libraries--one rural and one urban--and an evaluation was completed to determine its applicability in enhancing the on-going tutoring programs at these…

This information bulletin examines research and practice issues considered critical in resolving the crisis in science education. Analyses are presented of (1) the current reform movement in science education, (2) the changing culture of science, (3) science education research, (4) the rise of the cognitive sciences, (5) science teachers and…

This report presents the results of research conducted to determine the current state of the art of robotics/automated systems technician (RAST) training offered in the United States. Section I discusses the RAST curriculum project, of which this state-of-the-art review is a part, and offers a RAST job description. Section II describes the…

This manual on solar heating and cooling systems is one of a series of individualized instructional materials for students. The manual is self-paced, but is designed to be used under the supervision of a coordinator or an instructor. The manual contains 15 assignments, each with all the information needed, a list of objectives that should be met,…

Developed as a result of the North Carolina Community College President's Leadership Institute, this volume discusses the successful use of selected adaptive strategies to enhance community college effectiveness. Following information on the Institute and an overview of the volume, most of the remaining chapters review the work of prominent…

This bibliography for trainers and teachers interested in open or distance learning lists 68 books and articles devoted to particular aspects of the "learning revolution," i.e., arrangements to enable people to learn at the time, place, and pace that satisfy their circumstances and requirements. Materials are listed under 12 headings:…

The development of a program and curriculum for instruction in technical English for Saudi Arabian petrochemical plant operator trainees studying in the United States for two years was undertaken by the University of South Alabama's English Language Center. The program was designed to accommodate (1) the degree of skills and prior learning of the…

This paper focuses on the importance and the significance of the teacher's mastery of an abstract body of knowledge that underlies an educational innovation. Concepts and principles from organizational sociology are applied in order to investigate the relationship between teacher's mastery of this body of knowledge and the process of…

Education and training programs have changed significantly during the past five years in most large U.S. corporations. Rapid technological change and the adoption by many companies of new strategies in response to such factors as heightened global competition and deregulation have imposed new skill and knowledge needs. A larger proportion of…

Thirteen papers from the University of South Africa's Conference on Distance Education are presented on media and technology. They include: "Making the Abstract Concrete: A Slide/Sound Programme to Illustrate Abstract Concepts on the Concrete Level" (Grace Reeler); "The Microcomputer and Distance Education" (Johanna S.…

Issues concerning telecommunications courses offered by California universities and colleges are reviewed with a focus on the progress made over the past 6 years regarding the lack of incentives for faculty to use instructional technology in their teaching, lack of coordination among interested institutions and agencies, and high initial costs for…

America is changing from an industrial age to an information age wherein a premium is placed on the rapid acquisition, assimilation, and use of knowledge. Instructional technology offers the field of education an unprecedented opportunity to emphasize learning, increase teacher productivity and make more effective schools. Educators must face the…