Computer Mediated Telecommunications and Pre-College Education: A Retrospect

The appearance of applications software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) in elementary and secondary classrooms marked the beginning of the second generation of computer usage in these settings. One such use of these applications is computer mediated telecommunications which have become accessible to schools and school systems through the availability of low cost hardware (modems) and improved compatibility between telecommunications software and applications software now used in schools. A number of pilot projects have brought the promise of increased information sharing, collaborative learning, and a reduction of the isolation experienced by teachers and students through the use of electronic mail and electronic conferencing. Four of these projects are reviewed, focusing on their problems and successes. Suggestions for future applications of evolving computer mediated telecommunications technologies to elementary and secondary education are offered and questions for further study are suggested.