The development of distance education will be shaped by technological, demographic, economic, and political forces, as well as by pedagogical insights from its practitioners. Technology-mediated interactive learning (TMIL), a new form of instruction, may result from the synthesis of distance education, cooperative learning, and computer-supported…

Summarizes a paper prepared for the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) on the evolution of distance learning which begins by describing technological, the demographic, economic, political, and pedagogical forces involved. A new field is proposed called technology-mediated interactive learning (TMIL), which synthesizes distance learning,…

This overview of the use of educational technology in peace education discusses three questions: (1) how educational technology may be applied to increase world understanding and reduce intergroup tensions; (2) what strategies, within what contexts, have proven effective in integrating the study of peace across the curriculum; and (3) how…

The task of the journalistic pluralist is one of presenting alternatives so that audiences may exercise personal freedom in choosing among them. It has been held generally that the more publications there are--the more sources of information--the more the idea of pluralism will be served. However, with the consolidation of media ownership and the…

This journal contains a series of articles dealing with the theme of development in Asia and rural Indonesia. Included in the journal are the following articles: "Nonformal Education in Rural Areas of Developing Countries," by members of the Rural Project Team from the Centre for Continuing Education at Australian National University;…

Scholarly writings concerning the history and philosophical goals of Canadian higher education in general, and four universities in particular, are surveyed. Recent stresses that have undermined the universities as centers of intellectual life are described, leading to a discussion of the potential these institutions have for a cooperative…

Discussion of access to information in academic libraries focuses on the effects information technology is having and will continue to have on libraries and on users. Topics discussed include electronic publishing; CD-ROM; cooperative collection development and resource sharing; library networks; internal bibliographic and processing systems;…

Institutions of higher education in the United States are making use of educational communication networks, such as the National Science Foundation's INTERNET system, to enhance research and learning. Such information networks are used to exchange information electronically, and exist not only in the United States, but also in other countries.…

The school psychologist's indispensable role within a school includes preventive activities that are responsive to the needs of contemporary society as well as the changes in services necessitated by health care and educational reform. While these impending reforms evoke uncertainty, they also lead to opportunity. There is presently an opportunity…

Technological, demographic, and competitive pressures have transformed the U.S. labor market and must be dealt with on a priority basis. The urgency of the problem can best be addressed by creating a national institution that is independent of government, business, and labor but that draws on all three sectors to develop a broad array of policies…

An interview with Seymour Papert, an advocate of computer instruction for children and colleague of Jean Piaget, focused on questions concerning: (1) schools' use of computers; (2) teacher preparation for computer technology in the classroom; (3) importance of students and teachers learning to program; and (4) methods of computer assistance in…

A review of the relationship of higher education policy and the world of work concludes that many experts agree that higher education must devote greater attention to generic competencies, social skills, and personality development; should prepare students for growing globalization and internationalization; and must serve students in ways that go…

Major national trends and their effects on the future of education are examined. Demographic events that affected schools include the postwar baby boom and the migration from the Northeast to the sunbelt region. Factors affecting the college curriculum include: (1) enrollment projections, (2) decline in literacy, (3) decline in mathematics and…

The new demands being placed on the rural land base--for agricultural production, for energy and minerals, as well as for economic development--are considerable, and rural areas today face the difficult challenge of finding ways to accommodate new growth and development, while at the same time ensuring that essential activities and the inherent…

The future of rural America depends on the abilities of diverse interest groups and leaders to piece together educational and economic resources in creative ways, fitted to the needs of their respective regions and communities. It has become essential that rural persons be plugged into national and international production, marketing, and…