This paper presents a definition of distance education and a rationale for it both in pragmatic, problem-solving terms and in relation to a larger view of society. The geographic, political, educational, and technological context of distance education in Canada is then discussed. Traditional correspondence courses, satellite-delivered credit and…

Examines potential of computer communications in distance education based on trials of electronic mail and computer conferencing at British Open University. Highlights include descriptions of two courses that experimented with MAIL MANAGER electronic mail software, and a discussion of the role of tutors as potential moderators of conferences.…

Discusses European Community policy relating to information technology and the information industry. Topics addressed include the information services industry; transborder information flow, including electronic mail, data owner responsibility, and software piracy; digital data networks; electronic data interchange; telecommunications; information…

Discussion of computer-mediated communication focuses on a study of undergraduates in computer science courses that used observational and self-report techniques to examine the content of electronic mail messages. Work-related and various social uses are described, and examples of messages are included. (42 references) (LRW)

Presents new forms of information technologies (e-mail, CD-ROM, WWW) that can be used in distance education and lead to "global classrooms." Contrasts these forms with traditional distance education, and compares them with regard to social dimensions, and dimensions of sensorial modality and productivity. Discusses global classrooms from…

This paper examines educational applications of computer-based communications to identify unique tools for learning provided by this medium and to identify key features of successful text-based computer mediated communications (CMC) projects. A review of CMC programs provides guidelines for designing effective teacher training programs in CMC.…

The use of educational technology in rural schools can maximize the natural advantages of rural schools and alleviate the disadvantages. Rural schools often face geographic isolation, shortages in specialized staff, low student enrollments, small numbers of special needs students, limited program offerings for students, and limited opportunities…

The first of 10 sections in this report focuses on factors that will affect the evolution of Space Station Project (SSP) documentation systems. The goal of this project is to prepare the space station technical and managerial structure for likely changes in the creation, capture, transfer, and utilization of knowledge about the space station which…

Discusses how e-mail correspondence should be supported and integrated into the overall second language learning program. Reviews a telematics international e-mail exchange project, focusing on the documentation of integration of the project into the overall language program. Findings reveal that the strength of this work is in showing how its…

Outlines current directions that computer assisted language learning (CALL) is taking, highlighting CALL's social dimension and discussing Turkle's books, "Language Learning Through Social Computing" and "Life on the Screen." The paper explains that the current social context, which includes rich, user-friendly environments for sharing, discourse,…

Although the early settlements in cyberspace have tended to be male-dominated, diversity does exist on the Internet. In fact, a 1994-95 study revealed that women comprise 34% of Internet users. Feminism, as it came of age in the 1960s, often equated technoscience with the Vietnam War and with forces in opposition to nature and life. Postmodern…

The Internet is a decentralized collection of computer networks managed by separate groups using a common set of technical standards. The Internet has tremendous potential as an educational resource by providing access to networking through worldwide electronic mail, various databases, and electronic bulletin boards; collaborative investigation…

This paper posits that exploration of and judgment about distance learning at this point in time require the examination of three interrelated topics: (1) What new forms and images for school have been created and tried? (2) What issues arise as experiments in distance learning are developed and maintained? and (3) What is the effect of these…

Describes the International Counselor Network (ICN), an electronic mail (e-mail) discussion group operating on the Internet. Discusses the potential for communication, information sharing, and collaboration. Provides examples of professional communication and resource sharing via ICN as well as instructions on how to join. (JBJ)

This article aims to provide an overview of the various uses for e-mail in foreign language learning. It describes the advantages that have been referred to in the literature about the use of e-mail in foreign language learning contexts and provides an overview of the different types of contexts and possibilities for communicative interaction…