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University of Pittsburgh uses optic fibre communication system
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University of Pittsburgh Uses Optic Fibre Communication System The University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania, U.S.A.) has become the world's first university to operate an integrated three-tiered information system based on optic fibre technology. The system was installed by AT&T, who covered one-half of the $40 million cost. Although communication systems which combine voice and data transmission are nothing novel in themselves, the Pittsburgh system also includes video. Lectures can be taped and stored automatically at the university's video center. Campus-wide electronic mail, video bulletin boards, and access to automated card catalogues in the university's 18 libraries will be additional features of this new system. The new Cray supercomputer will also form part of the computer communications link. This will permit students at any terminal to access many computers throughout the world.
PBS Introduces Videotex Service for Schools Through their New York affiliate WNET, the US Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has introduced an educational videotex service, Learning Link, which will give subscribing elementary and secondary schools in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut access to online shopping and information services geared to their professional interests. Learning Link will provide advance information on all of WNET's programs, many of which are recommended by teachers for student viewing. In addition the online shopping service will cover approximately 10 discounted products from Scholastic Inc. Upon its introduction, Learning Link attracted over 500 subscribers and WNET is presently considering licensing the service to other PBS affiliates. Subscribers are charged $60 annually and are responsible for all communication costs.
24 Universities Receive $12 Million Grant Twelve United States and Canadian universities have been selected to take part in the second
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phase of Xerox Corporation's three-year, $30 million University Grant Program. The second phase consists of computer systems, service and software support valued at $12 million. It includes $9 million in grants to the 12 newly chosen universities and $3 million in additional hardware and software for the schools selected last year. This brings the total to 24 schools participating in the program. The grants provide each school with the Xerox Development Environment and Interlisp-D software development systems. The grants also include all of the company's ViewPoint office automation applications and all Xerox Network Services applications. Interlisp-D supports the rapid development of expert computer systems and artificial intelligence in such applications as medical decision support and robotics. Schools in the first and second phases of the Grant Program were selected after an extensive review based on proposals for research and teaching. The Phase II schools are Dartmouth College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Indiana University, Jackson State University, University of Michigan, Ohio State University, University of Pittsburgh, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, University of Washington and the University of Toronto, Canada.
Computer Education in the People's Republic of China 178 Chinese professionals have just taken part in a six-month experimental project at a microcomputer laboratory in the People's Republic of China aimed at increasing their understanding of the potential use of microcomputers in their respective organizations. The coursework included human and organizational information needs, database management, and the management of information resources. IBM loaned 20 PCs for the duration of the experiment. Overall interest in the technology was great, yet most of the professionals seemed to lack immediate applications for microcomputers in the managerial decision-making process.
University of Pittsburgh Uses Optic Fibre Communication System The University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania, U.S.A.) has become the world's first university to operate an integrated three-tiered information system based on optic fibre technology. The system was installed by AT&T, who covered one-half of the $40 million cost. Although communication systems which combine voice and data transmission are nothing novel in themselves, the Pittsburgh system also includes video. Lectures can be taped and stored automatically at the university's video center. Campus-wide electronic mail, video bulletin boards, and access to automated card catalogues in the university's 18 libraries will be additional features of this new system. The new Cray supercomputer will also form part of the computer communications link. This will permit students at any terminal to access many computers throughout the world.
PBS Introduces Videotex Service for Schools Through their New York affiliate WNET, the US Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has introduced an educational videotex service, Learning Link, which will give subscribing elementary and secondary schools in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut access to online shopping and information services geared to their professional interests. Learning Link will provide advance information on all of WNET's programs, many of which are recommended by teachers for student viewing. In addition the online shopping service will cover approximately 10 discounted products from Scholastic Inc. Upon its introduction, Learning Link attracted over 500 subscribers and WNET is presently considering licensing the service to other PBS affiliates. Subscribers are charged $60 annually and are responsible for all communication costs.
24 Universities Receive $12 Million Grant Twelve United States and Canadian universities have been selected to take part in the second
281
phase of Xerox Corporation's three-year, $30 million University Grant Program. The second phase consists of computer systems, service and software support valued at $12 million. It includes $9 million in grants to the 12 newly chosen universities and $3 million in additional hardware and software for the schools selected last year. This brings the total to 24 schools participating in the program. The grants provide each school with the Xerox Development Environment and Interlisp-D software development systems. The grants also include all of the company's ViewPoint office automation applications and all Xerox Network Services applications. Interlisp-D supports the rapid development of expert computer systems and artificial intelligence in such applications as medical decision support and robotics. Schools in the first and second phases of the Grant Program were selected after an extensive review based on proposals for research and teaching. The Phase II schools are Dartmouth College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Indiana University, Jackson State University, University of Michigan, Ohio State University, University of Pittsburgh, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, University of Washington and the University of Toronto, Canada.
Computer Education in the People's Republic of China 178 Chinese professionals have just taken part in a six-month experimental project at a microcomputer laboratory in the People's Republic of China aimed at increasing their understanding of the potential use of microcomputers in their respective organizations. The coursework included human and organizational information needs, database management, and the management of information resources. IBM loaned 20 PCs for the duration of the experiment. Overall interest in the technology was great, yet most of the professionals seemed to lack immediate applications for microcomputers in the managerial decision-making process.