This paper describes educational activities that make use of microcomputers and information networks to link elementary and secondary students electronically using telecommunications, i.e., communication across distances using personal computers, modems, telephone lines, and computer networks. Efforts to promote global understanding and awareness…

Reasons for changing telephone systems at colleges and universities and the preparation and evaluation of requests for proposals (RFP) are discussed. The negotiation and monitoring of the contract are also addressed. It is noted that contracting for a new telecommunications system is extremely complex. Reasons for changing systems include cost…

This pamphlet focuses on the concept of information and referral (I&R) as a system and describes seven highly effective I&R systems that bring together people in need with the human service agencies that can help them. It is noted that when thinking in terms of I&R systems, attention must be directed to the overall quality of the structures and…

Communication technology (CT), which involves the use of computers in private and group communication, has had a major impact on theory and research in organizational communication over the past 30 years. From the 1950s to the early 1970s, mainframe computers were seen as managerial tools in creating more centralized organizational structures.…

This preliminary report describes the work to date of the Task Group on Computer/Communication protocols for Bibliographic Data Interchange, which was formed in 1980 to develop a set of protocol standards to facilitate communication between heterogeneous library and information systems within the framework of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI). A…

Reports on results of a questionnaire sent to a random sample of 300 sociologists investigating the extent to which dissertation findings are disseminated through a variety of media. When operational definition of dissertation is broadened, a more extensive transmission of dissertation results than previously reported emerges. [Available from…

The article traces the development, scope, and functions of the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) Clearinghouse in Career Education since its reorganization and consolidation in 1973. Located at Northern Illinois University, it serves all segments of the field of adult and continuing education, vocational and technical education, and…

Describes the establishment of an international information system for the agricultural sciences and technology referred to by the acronym AGRIS. Presents AGRIS objectives, implementation stages, and relationships with other systems. (GS)

This report describes library applications of electronic bulletin board systems (BBS), i.e., telecommunications software designed to receive incoming calls from other computer systems. It begins by explaining the basics of a BBS; describing a typical configuration, i.e., a microcomputer and a modem connected to standard phone line bulletin board…

The JANUS (Joint Academic Network Using Satellite) satellite network is being planned to link European institutions wishing to jointly produce distance teaching materials. Earth stations with capabilities for transmit/receive functions, voice/data functions, two 64 kbs channels, and connection to local telephone exchange and computer networks will…

This digest describes proposed legislation for the implementation of the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Issues and implications for teachers, students, researchers, and librarians are suggested and the emergence of the electronic network as a general communication and research tool is described. Developments in electronic…

This compilation consists of various letters and documents issued for public comment during 1986-1987 by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) of the U.S. Department of Education, during its examination of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system to determine any needed changes and improvements. This…

The paper describes a computer bulletin board program operated by physically handicapped high school students. Through the bulletin board system, resource people have been contacted, students' written communication and interpersonal relationships have been strengthened, and professional contact has been strengthened. Administrative implications…

Designed to aid school districts contemplating use of some of the telecommunications services now available by satellite, this document contains information on home satellite receiving dishes (Television Receive-Only--TVROs), which can receive radio signals carrying television, sound, and data. This information includes: some factors involved in…

Since a discourse community may have its membership assigned both on the basis of speech or of writing, it follows that the concept of discourse community needs to be both medium-neutral and unconstrained by space and time. The defining characteristics of a discourse community might be (1) communality of interest, (2) mechanisms for…