This digest reviews the promise and drawbacks of computerized learning programs and telecommunication technologies for small rural schools. A critical feature of programmed learning packages can be their stand-alone feature. To the extent that such programs do not require the presence or involvement of a trained on-site teacher, they make it…

This report provides information on the background, methodology, and findings of the Videodisc-Microcomputer (ViM) Network project, which brought together over 40 schools in 15 states to explore the potential of a new technology for basic skills instruction. Initiated in 1981 and completed at the end of 1983, the project involved a wide variety of…

Describes efforts underway at Pennsylvania State University to link branch campuses using compressed videoconferencing. Discusses the plans for using this technology for a variety of administrative and instructional purposes. Outlines the costs associated with developing such a system. (TW)

Describes the development of a network of 10 sites in Minnesota involving two-way interactive television systems. Discusses the instructional uses of the system, including its potential for use in community education. Outlines the efforts underway at three educational cooperatives which are using the system for instructional and administrative…

Explains the videotex technology and its current uses in business, banking, news, and entertainment. Describes a project underway at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in which the potential of using videotex in education is being explored. Provides examples of videotex use in indepentent study, courses, and home study. (TW)

The Nonprofit Prophets, a telecommunications-infused community action project, was designed for high school students. Students were teamed with a nonprofit organization and produced videoconferences or Web sites for them. Although specific skills were acquired, students also gained confidence and self-esteem as well as a belief that they…

Reviews technological applications successfully used for distance education by the R. Jan LeCroy Center for Educational Telecommunications in the Dallas County Community College District (Texas). Applications include videotape and live interactive telecourses, satellite and network teleconferences, and telecommunication resources for businesses,…

This hearing on H.R. 5082, "The Telecommuting Act of 1992," focuses on how the developing telecommunications infrastructure can provide major benefits to the environment, employers, and the daily life of working people, who now have the ability to telecommute to their office from some alternative work site located nearer to their home.…

Five case studies of instructional two-way interactive video in rural small schools provide a model for successful implementation in other communities. Site visits and extensive interviews were conducted in schools and communities served by the Oklahoma Panhandle Shar-Ed Video Network, the New Mexico Eastern Plains Interactive TV Cooperative, the…

The first of two volumes in these proceedings contains the text (or, in a very few cases, an abstract) of 157 papers on the use of technology at all levels of education, including elementary, secondary, and higher education. These papers were presented in 54 topic sessions and two plenary sessions. Themes of the sessions include: (1) educational…

An ongoing distance learning project at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley is described. When the project, the Western Institute for Distance Education (WIDE), is complete, the system will provide access to education courses so that 98% of the state's population will be within 60 miles of a site. At present there are three…

In the midst of an information explosion, it is increasingly important for educators and students to learn how to effectively use new technologies. Technologies impacting education are examined, including school LANs (Local Area Networks), the Internet, and multimedia, and the best use of these technologies in an educational setting is…

Examines distance education technology as a tool for teacher preparation and presents attitudinal data collected from elementary science teachers who used audio and video communication to complete distance education classes. Results suggest that teachers remained supportive toward the technology one year after completing the course. (JMV)

Reviews the history of distance education in South Dakota. Highlights include interactive videoconferencing on the Digital Dakota Network (DDN); four video consortiums for K-12 schools; the Rural Development Telecommunications Network; the Electronic University Consortium; higher Education opportunities via the Internet, satellites,…

Explains North Dakota's telecommunications infrastructure which is particularly suited to rural areas and low population communities. Topics include an information network of multitype libraries; distance learning for elementary and secondary education; local library networks; Interactive Video Network; educational telecommunications; public…