Discusses findings of the U.S. Congress' Web-Based Education Commission that examined how the Internet is being used to enhance learning opportunities for students. Addresses each of the seven areas in which the Commission suggested there is a strong need for action: broadband access; professional development; research and development; quality of…

Provides an introduction to this special issue on distance education and e-learning. Several questions related to these topics are presented, and the articles contained in the issue are summarized. (MES)

Discusses a three-step process for teaching sixth grade students to connect current events to a perennial issue using the Internet. Proposes selecting and collecting information on a current event; producing an editorial and political cartoon on the event; and publishing the work online and in a local newspaper. Includes a sample activity. (CMK)

Describes the Guilford County School (North Carolina) system's use of computer networks and the Internet in K-12 education. Distance learning was the first component of their program, enabling the school system to equitably provide opportunities for high school students. Other efforts involve building a wide area network with access to the…

By employing a new system perspective, the uses of technology in three school districts are examined. Problems with lack of equipment, professional development, and funding in New York City and San Diego (CA) schools are discussed. The experiences of the Iowa City School District illustrate that growth of the human and work-process infrastructure…

The Internet offers high schools access to a variety of up-to-date information on any subject and the ability to communicate worldwide. Discussion includes electronic mail; Telnet, Gopher, and Veronica; the World Wide Web; types of Internet connections; and problems with Internet use. (AEF)

A discussion of current uses of technology in campus activities programming looks at what is meant by "new technology"; the range of uses of technology in this field; the role and impact of the interactive aspects of information technology; how technology affects how professionals educate, advise, and train students; and dealing with students who…

Analyzes the nature of computer misuse. Addresses issues that deal with managing and controlling computer misuse that will help in developing ethical practices to minimize computer misuse. Argues that by addressing ethical issues at both formal and informal levels, the risks associated with information technology usage can be minimized.…

Application service providers sell schools Web-based access to sophisticated computer applications that might be too costly to purchase or would require more expensive computers. ASPs serve data and software through the user's desktop computer via a connection to the Internet. Applications and provider names are specified. (MLH)

What uses of computers have effects on student engagement that seem most predicative of important learning? This research provides some evidence about this, examining empirical associations between kinds of software students use, teachers' pedagogical motivations behind their use, and one measure of student engagement: teachers' estimates of the…

Describes the United Kingdom Open University's FirstClass(TM) Computer conferencing system and its role in student support, taking as an example the way it is used for course choice. Suggests that while there are students who use it freely and apparently derive benefit from it, there are also substantial issues to be addressed about its relative…

Outlines fruitful areas of information and instructional technology (IIT) in education research: pedagogy of online environments; simulation, visualization, and modeling; mind-tools or cognitive tools; assessment tools; wireless computing; tools for learning communities; tools for project work and authentic tasks; integration of media, tools, and…

Describes a cross-curricular website and curriculum that incorporates traditional teaching methods with advanced technologies and that uses Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" as its focal point. Discusses advantages of this online curriculum that integrates language arts, literature, social studies, mathematics, technology and the…

Reports on a pilot project that is encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to view themselves as innovators and leaders in new information and communications technologies. Describes the aims, activities, and outcomes of the program, and closes with some comments on the new forms of social identity that emerged through literate…

The U.S. government publishes considerable information applicable to business people interested in global marketing opportunities, much of which is available via the Internet and CD-ROMs. Evaluates the usefulness of four of the government's electronic sources of global marketing information (e.g., the World Fact Book), describing workshops using…