Communications Technology.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper describes types of interactive communications technologies relevant to education and discusses their current and potential uses in rural Australia. "Teleconferencing" is a generic term for interactive electronic communications. The four main types of teleconferencing--audio, audiographic, video, and computer (text) teleconferencing--share the following common elements: (1) use of terminal equipment and space-terrestrial communications; (2) linkage of individuals or groups at multiple locations; (3) full interactive communications among all participants; and (4) immediate and dynamic qualities, involving active user participation. Teleconferencing can be applied to education and training ("teletraining"), administration and organization, services, research, and social and entertainment activities. Fifteen examples are offered of uses of teleconferencing in schools and universities in Australia and North America. In the Queensland Open Learning Project, the state government aims to increase access to tertiary education through a cooperative decentralized system of delivery using telecommunications. Major elements of the project include 41 open learning centers, 20 of which will be in rural communities with no previous tertiary education "presence"; a remote area teacher education program; a preparatory and remedial education project to assist people who need a second chance to prepare for postsecondary education; a comprehensive national database on course information; courses for farmers; visual arts education; and postsecondary access for special needs students. The telecottage approach to community development is also discussed. (SV)