Discussion of telecommunications and distance education focuses on a graduate level course, primarily online, that was designed to help educators become familiar with Internet resources. Topics addressed include computer-mediated communication (CMC); writing and CMC; cooperative learning and participant roles; challenges of online interactions;…

Describes a study that investigated the activities of engineering students working on a collaborative design project in a distributed multimedia environment. Topics discussed include learning as a social process; face-to-face and video communication; problem-solving techniques; use of interactive media; the construction of knowledge; and group…

An evaluation was made of the use of a computer network in an undergraduate physics course at the University of Liverpool (England). Computer use by 54 students was assessed via path analysis techniques. Students' backgrounds are extremely important in connection with their use and perceived usefulness of computer networks. (SLD)

Examines the advisability of public school adoption of integrated learning systems (ILSs). Topics discussed include computer networks; alternatives to ILSs, including stand-alone microcomputers and networks without ILSs; ILSs and theories of learning and teaching; turnkey systems; and ILSs and the profit motive of vendors. (17 references) (LRW)

Describes computer-assisted activities used in the University of Michigan's teacher education program (computer conferencing and an interactive educational software package). The article discusses what the applications convey about the teaching and learning process, what they communicate about teacher knowledge, and what kind of educational future…

Discussion of the National Research and Education Network (NREN) highlights distance education programs that have been developed at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Topics discussed include nontraditional students; an evolving view of knowledge and learning; new communications technologies; computer communications at RIT; hearing-impaired…

Discusses the use of multimedia equipment for distance education. Topics addressed include use of the Internet; distance learning for educators; and cable television and/or fiber optics, including interactive television and satellite technology. A sidebar lists online and telecommunications providers. (LRW)

Explains how to use technology to enhance learning and teaching in the community college, and how to provide adequate user support for computer systems. Describes the technology plan implemented at Howard Community College. (JDI)

Discusses the Baltimore Learning Community Project, a collaborative effort that includes the Baltimore City Public Schools, the University of Maryland (UM), and Johns Hopkins University. Focuses on the UM component that involves the development of telecommunications software applications for middle school science and social studies teachers.…

Discusses three evolving paradigms for supporting learning and work performance: instructional design, performance support, and network systems. Describes an overall trend toward greater flexibility and empowerment, and shows how each paradigm reflects the technologies available at the time of its initial development. (AEF)

Describes the Virtual Company, a learning environment developed by the Open University (Netherlands) that is modeled after real companies to bridge the gap between learning and working by situating learning in a real-life business setting. Discusses problems in higher education, demands of society, and results of a pilot study. (Author/LRW)

Describes the comprehensive curriculum and school infrastructure of information technology education in elementary and secondary schools in Japan. Compares Japan's educational computing with the United States and considers the future of educational information technology in a networked environment. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

Notes many networked composition classrooms can be considered "transitional;" focus of the classes is neither exclusively on print-oriented skills nor on electronic-literacy skills. Focuses on an instructor's first-year composition courses in a computerized environment. Outlines ways teachers may employ a portfolio pedagogy in networked…

Suggests that the revolutionary potentials of network technologies are not intrinsic to the technologies. Uses experiences of Daedalus Interchange in composition classrooms to argue for critical engagement with technologies. Suggests that unless writing teachers critically address students' perceptions of writing, they will replicate the same…

This study implements a networked peer assessment system based on the use of a Vee heuristic. Students submit their homework via the underlying network, then assess each other's homework by offering suggestions through the network. Preliminary results revealed that the networked peer assessment model and Vee heuristic facilitated pre-service…