The combination of digital television and computing/networking technologies can provide solutions to many problems confronting higher education. Old Dominion University (Virginia) is committed to discovering how to exploit these technologies to produce a more effective teaching environment at a lower cost than traditional classroom teaching. The…

This paper begins by summarizing basic assumptions about effective teaching and learning, noting that these assumptions apply to all teaching, regardless of the delivery mode and/or technology used. Instructional design principles are then discussed in terms of the planning, preparation, and organization of interactive video-based teaching…

Proposes "democratic work stations" as central hubs of activity within a community where human rights workers share information and resources with community leaders from all sectors and offers some examples of this type of collaboration in action. Suggestions for creating these work stations are outlined. (SLD)

Describes an environmental education project that featured 60 students in grades 5-8 divided into 4 multilevel cooperative groups of 15 students. Students participated in two full-day outings and project activities. Outlines six workstations set up for project activities. (LZ)

Describes the Collaborative Distance Learning Support System (CODILESS) including its research objectives, the conceptual model, and its architecture. CODILESS supports collaborative and resource-based learning within the same environment by integrating asynchronous and synchronous multimedia communication with electronic resources on the local…

Defines ergonomics and discusses design and environmental considerations. Suggests work-space requirements for: tables, chairs, monitor height, ambient noise and light, electricity, and environmental hazards. Includes sources for additional information related to ergonomic design. (AEF)

Applies learning theory and ergonomic principles to the design of effective learning environments for library instruction. Discusses features of electronic classroom ergonomics, including the ergonomics of physical space, environmental factors, and workstations; and includes classroom layouts. (Author/LRW)

Focuses on three essential information stations integral to the electronic classroom: the instructor camera (information station #1), the student camera (information station #2), and the copy-stand camera (information station #3). For each, the basic issues, such as camera location, instructional function, learning mode, information quality, and…

This study is a key concept in making design more fruitful in education. It is proposed that what students are doing when they construct knowledge is studying. For several years, Teachers College, Columbia University and the Dalton School (an independent school in New York City), have been collaborating on the Dalton Technology Project. The goal…

Investigates how an informal computerized environment, or workspace, can support information seeking. Outlines the design space for information-seeking environments and presents a prototype, SketchTrieve, a graphic editor. Discusses how this environment might support information-seeking in ways not available in other more overdetermined systems.…

Based on a pilot project at Exeter University (Devon, England) a software audit, comparing number of copies of software installed with number of license agreements, is described. Discussion includes auditing budgets, workstation questionnaires, the scanner program which detects the hardware configuration and staff training, analysis and…

Describes "Self-Serve Reserve", an electronic application developed at the library of Norwich University (Vermont) to handle reserve reading and be easy to use, reduce or eliminate the need for paper copies, deliver imaged documents, require modest start-up costs, and be scalable from a stand-alone workstation to network access.…

Describes an integrated computer library system installed at Lilydale Adventist Academy (LAA) in Melbourne (Australia) in response to a limited budget, increased demand, and greater user expectations. Topics include student workstations, cost effectiveness, CD-ROMS on local area networks, and student input regarding their needs. (Author/LRW)

Discusses online resources on ergonomics for librarians seeking to improve working environments or planning for staff and public work areas. A sidebar lists electronic addresses for 10 online sites for information including: World Wide Web sites, the Library of Congress gopher, archives on avoiding typing injuries, and electronic mailing lists.…

Discusses changes and improvements in the integrated services digital network (ISDN) that have caused ISDN to reemerge as a viable, cost-effective technology for use in home and office workstations. Reviews changes in demand, standards, availability, ease of use, and cost, and displays a diagram of a typical ISDN terminal adapter setup. (JMV)