Considers the differences between the use of printed materials and Web sites for reference, including technology problems, currency, and lack of depth on the Web. Reviews several examples of quality print reference books related to food, recipes, and culture that are suitable for school libraries. (LRW)

Describes a study that used action research and a sociocultural framework to assess the effectiveness of a listserv for teacher training. Investigated whether it created opportunities for the development of language teacher discourse; whether teachers-in-training engaged in instructional conversations on a listserv; and problems associated with…

Challenges facing rural schools include consolidation, teacher quality, equitable funding, and adequate facilities. The president of the National Rural Education Association presents his views on these issues based on visits around the country. (Author)

Describes attempts to develop library services in the island republic of Kiribati (the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line islands). The development of rural library service in conjunction with school libraries is discussed, a postal library service is described, the establishment of village libraries is discussed, and constraints that have inhibited…

Discusses problems and misconceptions concerning the appropriate use of computers in K-12 classrooms. The use of software to support computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is described, teacher-written software is discussed, telecommunications issues are considered, and the role of administrators and teachers is examined. (two references) (LRW)

Reports on the flow of faculty members to and from academic institutions. Compares data between public and private institutions and between predominantly Ph.D. versus B.S. degree producing institutions. Discusses the problems of maintaining the quality of education offered by engineering and engineering technology administrators. (YP)

Discussion of computer-mediated communication (CMC) focuses on an international electronic Delphi study that was conducted to predict the prevalent instructional CMC applications that will be used in colleges and universities in the near future. Resources required for support and obstacles to be overcome are discussed. (Contains 81 references.)…

Describes a study that conducted interviews with 27 linguistic minority parents (i.e., parents of students for whom English is not their first language) to investigate their general understanding and use of public libraries. Reasons for nonuse of libraries are discussed, including a lack of knowledge about libraries, no prior experience, and…

Describes the state of electronic medical records, their advantage over existing paper records, the problems impeding their implementation, and concerns over their security and confidentiality. Topics include challenges for the new health care era, including managed care systems, cost benefits, lack of standards, and future possibilities.…

Discusses technologies developed to create high density compact discs capable of containing a feature length movie. Topics covered include development of new standards for the next CD-ROM generation; new disc and playback technologies being developed by Philips, IBM, Nimbus, CD-ROM USA, and others; and disc speed. (KRN)

Discusses intelligent software agents, or knowledge robots (knowbots), and the impact they have on the Internet. Topics addressed include ethical dilemmas; problems created by rapid growth on the Internet; new technologies that are amplifying growth; and a shift to a market economy and resulting costs. (LRW)

Highlights of this overview of virtual reality include optics; interface devices; virtual worlds; potential applications, including medicine and archaeology; problems, including costs; current research and development; future possibilities; and a listing of vendors and suppliers of virtual reality products. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Describes several projects that integrate the Internet and specific Internet resources into undergraduate teaching and learning. Problems are discussed, including trying to retrieve specific and useful information, questions of reliability and accuracy of information, the need to become more user friendly, and demands on libraries for training and…

Examines attempts by environmental educators to adopt computer-mediated communication (CMC), primarily computer conferencing, to enhance instruction. Discussion includes the advantages of online communication, common technical and training problems, and social considerations for the design and implementation of environmental CMC projects. (JKP)

Summarizes the results of literature on color use in multimedia screen design for instructional purposes. Discusses problems and the lack of guidance for instructional designers. Suggests renewed research and the development of a connoisseurial approach to screen design, which values the contributions of both research and aesthetic experience.…