Describes a performance support system that was developed at Indiana University to assist in the delivery of a distance education inservice teacher training program through course presentations, monitoring practicum activities, and promoting collaboration among teachers. Difficulties are discussed, future enhancements are described, and an…

Examines the use of video in teaching mathematics based on discussions between the Centre for Teaching Mathematics (United Kingdom) and Yorkshire Television that identified problems that hindered the use of video in the mathematics classroom. Results of a survey of mathematics teachers based on these findings are reported. (10 references) (LRW)

Discusses the need to market information services in Africa and examines some of the obstacles to the use of library and information services. Highlights include technological changes; management issues, including a negative image of librarians; marketing information to a population with low use of libraries; the role of governments; and culture…

Describes the use of live, interactive television for distance education at the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Hawaii. Problems resulting from new administrative and psychological demands on students and faculty are discussed, and mechanisms for increasing activity and improving student access to materials and…

Discusses the use of MARC format in relational databases and addresses problems of incompatibilities. A solution is presented that is in accordance with Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standards and is based on experiences at the library of the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain). (four references) (EA)

Describes the development of computer-based information services in New Zealand for education and the social sciences. Highlights include national systems; the influence of personal computer technology on the development of information services; the lack of a national information policy; and the lack of standardized software. (13 references) (LRW)

Applies the ideas of Peter Senge's "The Fifth Discipline; The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization" to leadership in academic libraries in transformation. Systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, building shared vision, and team learning are discussed; and current limitations of organizations are identified. (EAM)

Discusses student search tools for the World Wide Web and describes and compares seven that are appropriate for pre-kindergarten through secondary school. Highlights include access; age appropriateness; directories versus full search engines; filters; limits of some tools; and adult-oriented search tools that can be limited for students' access.…

Discusses trends in Web-based learning environments. Highlights include common features of existing Web-based learning environments; challenges; the large amount of available online educational material; adaptation and dynamic interaction; real-time interaction; and monitoring online testing. (LRW)

Surveys existing efforts at using the World Wide Web for instructional purposes, points out innovative uses of the Web, and suggests ways for instructors and developers to optimize the design of instructional sites to better serve users. Mistakes to avoid are discussed, and addresses of 13 instructional sites are provided. (Author/LRW)

Describes the use of distance-learning technology for an economics course for second graders. Highlights include obstacles to effective distance education, becoming familiar with video technology, the use of visual learning materials, student-teacher interaction, the need for an adult facilitator, and the instructional sequence used in each…

Describes an investigation of the search strategies employed by novice users of an interactive information system. A class of 12-year-old students was instructed in use of an electronic encyclopedia, which they used as an information source for projects and to complete skills tests. Students employed inefficient search strategies and had…

Discussion of distance education in higher education focuses on a team-taught research/writing class developed at Linfield College (Oregon) that utilizes a computer conferencing system. Topics include interactions between faculty and students, the role of the teacher, problems, and implications for bibliographic instruction. (LRW)

By employing a new system perspective, the uses of technology in three school districts are examined. Problems with lack of equipment, professional development, and funding in New York City and San Diego (CA) schools are discussed. The experiences of the Iowa City School District illustrate that growth of the human and work-process infrastructure…

The Internet offers high schools access to a variety of up-to-date information on any subject and the ability to communicate worldwide. Discussion includes electronic mail; Telnet, Gopher, and Veronica; the World Wide Web; types of Internet connections; and problems with Internet use. (AEF)