This report represents the findings and recommendations of the "Resolving the Digital Divide: Information, Access, and Opportunity" conference, the first in a series of conferences designed to provide feedback to the President's Information Technology Advisory Committee (PITAC) on issues of the digital divide. Conference panelists were a…

In order to measure Internet access in U.S. public schools, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) surveyed a nationally representative sample of public schools in 1994. Subsequent surveys in 1995, 1996, and 1997 enabled NCES to track growth in this area. This Issue Brief presents information on: how much progress the schools have…

This book provides an overview of current applications of technology in education; it is organized in eight chapters covering the following trends. (1) There is near saturation of computers in K-12 schools, while higher education institutions report moderate saturation. Students and teachers have almost universal access to computers, many of which…

Examines concepts that are closely associated with distance education. Discusses the beginnings of open education; open access and admission criteria; course availability; access to technology; the E-rate program for those on the less fortunate side of the "digital divide"; beyond flexibility; and the learner's responsibility for learning. (AEF)

Recent economic events and constantly-shifting priorities continue to challenge the traditional hallmarks of community colleges: responsiveness, adaptability, and flexibility. Institutional leaders are increasingly questioning whether the comprehensive community college model and, more importantly, open access, are still sustainable in today's…

The goals of this project were to describe the various on-line models and delivery formats that have emerged in Alberta and to identify common practices and current issues surrounding the provision of on-line or virtual schooling. A Steering Committee developed a conceptual framework for the study under the three main headings of…

Enhanced student learning is the primary objective of integrating technology into classrooms. In order to realize this objective, several critical success factors must be addressed: Access to Technology, Administrative Services, Professional Development, and Curriculum Integration. In this Technology Plan, recommendations are made for action at…

Presents examples of the evaluation of media and technologies used at the FernUniversitat (Germany) for distance education. Topics include course evaluation; system or institutional evaluation; information and communication technologies; communication preferences and practice; computer access; multimedia via CD-ROMs and the Internet; video…

This article looks at the ethical implications of the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in bringing about development in developing societies. Any proposed means to enhance development has costs as well as benefits. Hence, the evaluation of a given means to development should always be a matter of "applied ethics".…

This paper provides participant observations regarding the use of computer and broadcast television technology at a suburban public elementary school in Athens, Georgia during the 1995-1996 school year. The paper describes the hardware and software available in the school, and the use and misuse of computers and broadcast television in the…

This report examines the relationship between technology and access to postsecondary education, and identifies four basic themes: technology and access to postsecondary education in general; access to technology-based learning; preparation for using technology; and the effectiveness of technology in learning. The report presents a review of the…

Web sites today should meet Web accessibility guidelines to comply with a host of regulations and guidelines for people with disabilities. Recent estimates state that 20% of the U.S. population has a disability and that 10% of the on-line population is disabled. Our aging population also experiences similar issues. This session will help you…

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to include support for advanced telecommunications--such as the Internet and computer networking--for elementary and secondary schools, public libraries, and nonprofit rural health care providers among the Universal Service Fund (USF) mandates. In its plan, the…

Over the past four legislative sessions, the Texas State Legislature enacted laws that have accelerated the integration of technology into public education. The significant effort to build technology infrastructure in Texas is evident through the thousands of public school awards provided by the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) Board,…

This early look at the E-Rate is part of a new initiative, funded by the Department of Education, and is based on an analysis of E-Rate administrative records covering the first two years of program operation, that were linked to detailed national data on all public and private schools and libraries in the U.S. Key findings indicate that public…