There are no foolproof solutions to Internet access in libraries. This article lists selected library solutions, what not to do, and what to do: pick a common-sense approach, focus on customer service, keep an open mind, avoid accepting or repeating hearsay, and find common ground. Includes highlights of the Orange County (FL) Library System's…

Discusses problems involved in implementing information technology at academic institutions in developing countries based on experiences at the Border Technikon (South Africa). Technology gaps, educational deficits among students and staff, and lack of adequate facilities are considered and possible solutions suggested. (Author/LRW)

Rather than challenging grades alone, educators should question the whole assessment enterprise. The three rationales for grading (sorting, motivation, and feedback) are problematic, since they stress a demand (obligation), as opposed to a support, model. Ideas for adopting supportive assessment and avoiding grading abuses are provided. (19…

Many higher education institutions are spending money on information technologies in order to remain competitive, but often small liberal arts colleges have difficulty doing so. Examines the roles technology plays and misconceptions related to costs and productivity, and presents ideas on how faculty can cope with technological change while…

Discusses online course design in higher education and cautions against blindly accepting constructivist and collaborative learning strategies. Explains many of the problems associated with these strategies, including the use of technology; considers social change; and describes groupthink and its influence in online courses. (LRW)

Considers reasons for the unrealized potential of the World Wide Web in education. Topics include cultural lag; the speed of technical advancements; educational Web pages that lack interaction; lack of quality control in distance education; lack of teacher training; lack of infrastructure; limited Internet access; and antiquated hardware.…

Identifies MIR (Music Information Retrieval) computer system problems, historic influences, current state-of-the-art, and future MIR solutions through an examination of the multidisciplinary approach to MIR. Highlights include pitch; temporal factors; harmonics; tone; editorial, textual, and bibliographic facets; multicultural factors; locating…

Describes how a library in the state of Washington was floated on a barge across the Hood Canal (part of Puget Sound) to its new site. Discusses property costs, the mechanics of moving the building, community support, obstacles, media coverage of the move, and renovations at the new site. (AEF)

Examines the evolution of the telecommunications systems in Oklahoma higher education and the state policies that developed at the same time. Topics include early televised instruction for distance education; policy development and evolution; OneNet, the statewide network for education and government; and policy challenges. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the need for libraries to engage in strategic planning rather than reacting to change. Highlights include long-range planning techniques; focusing on vision and the organizational environment; defining the planning process, including the role of the staff and prioritizing; common pitfalls; and experiences at the Ann Arbor District…

Presents guidelines for moderating online educational computer conferences. Explains how to prepare for the conference, including becoming familiar with the software and developing a contract with students to ensure their participation; discusses ongoing conference activities, including focusing the discussion; and relates common problems and…

Describes the library at Far Eastern State Technical University in Vladivostok (Russia) based on a visit that was part of a collaborative project with California State University, Sacramento. Highlights include staffing; problems with funding, space, and technology; library collections in the Department of World Politics and Law; and the nearby…

Describes a study that investigated Internet use of female senior masters students in India with respect to class assignments, research work, and other educational purposes. Discusses problems faced while using the Internet for educational purposes, area of study, year of exposure, type of user, and socioeconomic status. (LRW)

Discusses some of the problems of implementing computer-aided learning (CAL) in a university environment and describes a centralized CAL service agency that was created at the University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Courseware development and implementation are described, and CAL research and evaluation are discussed. (16 references) (LRW)

Explains how international development projects shaped and often distorted organizational aspects of the Liberian education system from 1972 to 1985. Examines the fragmenting effects of policy conflicts among and within development agencies, of the typical structure of educational development projects, and of competition for funds. Contains 42…