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)

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…

Describes some of the author's observations about information technology trends and their impact on her two grandchildren's classroom experiences. Topics include the shift from acquisition to information access, the shift from paper to electronic format, networked communications and computerized collaborative projects, and the emerging portability…

Describes results of a Delphi study that was conducted to gather information to assist in defining the future of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in higher education. Results indicate that applications of CMC will focus on supporting classroom activities and facilitating cooperative learning and that one obstacle is faculty attitudes. (31…

Discusses the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in education and summarizes three studies that demonstrated the positive effect of electronic networking on elementary and secondary students' reading and writing skills and their interest in meaningful educational activities. Highlights include knowledge construction; collaborative…

Arguing that electronic networking provides a medium which is qualitatively superior to the traditional classroom for conducting certain types of problem solving exercises, this paper details the Water Problem Solving Project, which was conducted on the InterCultural Learning Network in 1985 and 1986 with students from the United States, Mexico,…

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…

Describes activities for elementary and secondary students who participate in AT&T's Learning Network. Topics include learning circles as virtual communities; forming learning circles; planning projects with teachers and students; exchanging work on the projects; creating a final publication as a group; and evaluating the process. (LRW)

Discusses trends in educational software and the effects of new developments on publishers and on the computer industry. Marketing prospects for software are examined, and recent advances are highlighted, including integrated learning systems, skill-based software, software tied to textbooks, networking, and freeware. (LRW)

Describes activities conducted in a fourth-grade classroom in Cincinnati (Ohio) with low-income students through the AT&T Learning Network. Students' developing interest in subject areas including national news, environmental issues, child support, coping with death, computer literacy, school rules, cultural awareness, and local history is…

Describes different kinds of student correspondence over the writing center network at a state university. Argues that the interaction between student and text via machine promotes good writing and improved motivation, even when the subject matter is as extracurricular as dating. Includes messages from student to student, student to teacher, and…

Discusses the role of computers, multimedia, and network technology in improving education, in and outside school, by increasing time spent on learning activities. Highlights include government's role in improving educational software; technological advancements; a history of schooling; barriers to change; and emerging information, education, and…