Basic telecommunications skills include logging on to the local computer network and sending an email message to someone. Integrated telecommunication skills involve sharing ideas electronically, making professional contacts, and developing professional relationships with other teachers nationwide. Many education students try to put in the extra time and effort required for gaining such skills, but too often they do not have access to a personal computer. This is not true with other, more traditional learning tools such as textbooks. Libraries check-out learning materials through library cards.
Library cards allow the holder to access and use a vast amount of information.
They literally have become keys that unlock knowledge. Telecommunications learning packages would allow similar access to local libraries and global information systems. The packages would be checked out to students enrolled in an educational technology course. A laptop computer, would be included, with a modem, battery adaptor, carrying case, and factory preloaded integrated word processing, spreadsheet, and data base software. Networking is taking place globally.