Coordination and Evaluation of Videodisc and Microcomputer Programs. Final Technical Report

This report provides information on the background, methodology, and findings of the Videodisc-Microcomputer (ViM) Network project, which brought together over 40 schools in 15 states to explore the potential of a new technology for basic skills instruction. Initiated in 1981 and completed at the end of 1983, the project involved a wide variety of activities, ranging from software development and documentation to equipment acquisition and repair, including on-site and telephone consultations and problem-solving for participating schools, and the production of a series of newsletters and a descriptive network directory. Background material provides descriptions of interactive videodisc technology, electronic mail technology, and innovations in the schools. Site selection, overviews of support activities for interactive videodisc and electronic mail, and observations are included in the section on methodology, and the findings are reported under four broad headings: (1) Availability and Durability of Hardware; (2) Availability and Usability of Videodiscs; (3) Needs, Skills, and Time of School Staff; and (4) Communication via Electronic Networks. Eight appendices make up the major part of the report: (1) Participants in the ViM Network; (2) Sample of the ViM Network Newsletter; (3) ViM Network Directory; (4) Reprint of Articles from Videodisc News; (5) Instructions for ViM-SCRIPT; (6) Example of a ViM Script; (7) Classroom Teacher's Courseware Assessment Form; and (8) Videodisc-Microcomputer Usage Log. Eight references are also provided. (RP)