The Institute for Academic Technology (IAT) will present a satellite broadcast on "Exploring the World of Computer Networks," including a two-hour panel discussion and demonstration. 1:00-3:00 pm EST, 9/30/93, Ku and C bands, $295 per site. Also 12/2/93. [email protected], (919) 405-1958. A course guide for IAT seminars and workshops is available from (919) 405-1900, or via fax from (800) 426-4329. [Jonathan Pishney ([email protected]), net-hap, 8/9/93.]

INFOBITS is a monthly electronic newsletter from IAT's Information Resources Group. Send a "subscribe infobits your name" message to [email protected]. [Carolyn Kotlas ([email protected]), net-hap, 8/4/93.] IAT Briefings will soon go to four 4-page issues per year as inserts in the IBM/ACIS "Columns" newsletter. Contact Jonathan Pishney ([email protected]) concerning email extracts from both newsletters. [net-hap, 8/9/93.]

Modern technology permits international demos and interactive telecourses, but there are plenty of pitfalls. Voice-grade circuits are not of uniform quality, and many government run phone companies object to "secret" digital devices such as fax connected to their lines. Video standards also vary from country to country, and many institutional PBXs degrade digital data. Equipment taken overseas must be packed carefully with theft- provoking labels hidden, but must be easily accessible for customs inspection. Air shipment or hand carrying are usually best. Customs paperwork and costs may depend on your plans for the equipment after the demo. Be sure you have the right transformers, plugs, and phone connectors. Double-check time zones, then place calls from the US side (to reduce hassle and save money). Calls may have to be set up more than once if there are line problems. A 50-minute session plus setup time can cost about $60 to Jamaica, $66 to Spain or Peru, and $120 to Moscow or Sri Lanka. The calls may be much more affordable for US sponsors than for local participants. [Glen Southworth ([email protected]), Colorado Video Inc. Anton Ljutic ([email protected]), Glosas News. net-hap, 7/29/93.]

Dan Ream recently asked the net how to deal with technical glitches during demos. (Ed "Conan the Librarian" Perry has suggested an annual Wiley Coyote award for the worst techno-horror story.) The number one answer was to have overhead transparencies for backup. Number two was to use captured screens instead of a live demo -- you can control the pace better, and students are no less happy. Some of the good programs for screen capture and presentation are PowerPoint, Screen Grabber, Tin Can, Show Partner, Storyboard, Screen Recorder, Grabber, and Camera Man. Know your equipment and bring your own extension cords. If the technology fails, you have a duty to your audience to carry on as best you can. [[email protected], PACS-L, 8/4/93.]

The International Centre for Distance Learning (ICDL) database lists over 25,000 courses and programs, 700 institutions, and 5,000 literature references. New search software can return output by email. There's also a PC CD-ROM version. 100 pounds for the remainder of 1993; free in developing countries. Laury Melton (l.r.a.[email protected]) or [email protected]. [PACS-L, 8/6/93.]

The Internet Resource Directory for Educators, Version 2, is available for FTP from pub/telecomputing-info/IRD on tcet.unt.edu. Files (of 200KB each) cover telnet sites, FTP archives, LISTSERVs, and "infusion ideas." [Judith Harris ([email protected]), net-hap, 8/5/93.]