This first in a series of articles on organizing electronic network-based instructional interactions describes and compares macro-organizational elements, strategies, and tactics of three popular electronic networks: the FrEdMail Network, the National Geographic Kids' Network, and the AT&T Learning Network. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Based on experiences at Empire State College, the potential of computer-mediated communication for preservice and inservice teacher education is examined. The use of electronic mail, synchronous and asynchronous links, online sources, uploading, and downloading are discussed. The need for teachers to master these skills as part of their…

This teacher tells her story of venturing into technology-assisted learning and becoming a mentor for others. Highlights include project-based initiatives and professional development; the National Information Infrastructure and the Global Information Infrastructure; PowerUp and the Council of Regional Information Technology Associations(CRITA);…

Describes Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN), which, combined with desktop workstations, will provide access to voice, text, and video telecommunications. Telecommunications technology is discussed, the use of desktop workstations to facilitate ISDN is described, and possible future uses of ISDN technology in distance education are…

Examines activity cycles in long-distance educational electronic networks based on experiences on FrEdMail (a grass-roots microcomputer-based electronic network) to create effective network-based learning activities. Yearly, weekly, daily, and other cycles are described; and cyclical patterns for two types of instructional interactions are…

Current developments in the use of microcomputers to meet the learning needs of special education students are discussed. Examples are given of efforts of special projects (such as Project ReTool), Teacher Education Computer Centers in California, and local school districts in the training of teacher educators and special education teachers.…

Reviews 15 potential uses of optical disc read-only memory (OD-ROM) in education, including instructional, curriculum, assessment, administrative, and counseling applications. Need for the product, cost of development, size of audience, critical competitor, and potential profitability to suppliers are noted for each application. (MBR)

Between the infancy and the adulthood of online communications stand years of generational haggling between educators raised on the book and those hooked on the byte. The telecommunications infrastructure (phone lines, electronic bulletin boards, and international networks) can already help teachers bring within reach a world of people and…

Describes the Central Media Resource System (CMRS), a method that allows multimedia instruction to large groups of students. Highlights include the information infrastructure, including fiber optics and coaxial cable; use of the CMRS in the classroom and in the media resource center; and future possibilities, including local and wide area…

This paper provides an overview of electronic mail (e-mail) systems and identifies curricular applications of common systems available to educators. Highlights include an outline of selected e-mail services; a description of hardware and software needed to use e-mail; an introduction to the Internet; a look at how e-mail systems help students; and…

Discussion of elementary and secondary school classrooms linking with the Internet focuses on policies needed for successful use of the network. A project conducted at Northwestern University (Illinois) for reconceptualizing high school science education is described, and development of a network use policy is examined. (LRW)

Proposes six universals of computing in education--word processing, problem solving with the BASIC language, databases, network data banks, electronic spreadsheets, and statistical calculation systems--which could be applied to almost any microcomputer with a disk drive, printing device, BASIC, and appropriate software packages. (EJS)

With the increasing capabilities and decreasing costs of computers, the author says that extension service is approaching a crossroad in educational program delivery technology. Instead of continuing to rely on personal contact, extension agents should become familiar with the various computer network services available and learn how to use them.…

Changes in several technologies that handle, manipulate, and transmit information and ways in which these technologies are affecting businesses and homes are discussed in this paper, which also addresses the potential impact of these changes on public education. The first of four sections provides a very brief history of the computer revolution,…

Describes the implementation of a technology project in an Arizona elementary school that provided classrooms with networked access to the Internet as part of a school restructuring effort. A business partnership with Motorola Corporation is explained; technical support and staff development are discussed; and examples of classroom projects are…