This article describes how a group of elementary teachers set out to master their instructional software to turn the collection into an effective aid for enabling the success of students with and without disabilities. It discusses planning for systematic intervention and positive outcomes through the use of computer programs. (Contains…

Describes Internet Relay Chats (IRCs), electronic conversations over the Internet that allow multiple users to write messages, and their applications to educational settings such as teacher collaboration and conversations between classes. Explains hardware and software requirements, IRC organization into nets and channels, and benefits and…

Examines Internet security risks and how users can protect themselves. Discusses inadvertent bugs in software; programming problems with Common Gateway Interface (CGI); viruses; tracking of Web users; and preventing access to selected Web pages and filtering software. A glossary of Internet security-related terms is included. (AEF)

Lists hardware, software, and network connections needed for basic videoconferencing; outlines steps in initiating collaborative videoconferencing projects between students in different schools; and describes a videoconferencing project developed by fourth-grade teachers in two elementary schools in Tampa (Florida). Lists resources for further…

Discusses the history, goals, and partnerships of the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID) created in October 1997 and the hiring of Doug Van Houweling as CEO. UCAID supports Internet2 (or Internet II) a collaborative effort between higher education and industry to facilitate and coordinate the development of advanced…

Discussion of information exploration and software design in computer-based educational systems focuses on the integration of hypermedia and natural language dialog. AlFRESCO is described, an interactive natural language-centered multimodal system that was developed for users interested in frescoes and paintings. (LRW)

Describes new computer software packages that expand learning opportunities for students with varied disabilities: Meet the Math Wiz, Cornerstones Literacy Project, the KidTools Support System, Transitional Mathematics program, Nemeth Code Tutorial Project, and Project PRIDE. CD programs for the hearing-impaired include "Rosie's Walk,"…

This article provides two views of the software package "First Step KidTools". This computer program was designed to help elementary students use self-management skills and develop strategies for controlling their behavior. Goals and objectives of this program are outlined and information on how to obtain the program is provided. (CR)

Creating a CD-ROM to enrich the 11th-grade social-studies curriculum was challenging, but rewarding. Draft storyboards and stock World War II footage soon led to a digital production called "Presumed Enemies," which put the events surrounding the internment of Japanese Canadians and Japanese Americans into historical context. (MLH)

These articles describe the experiences of the Johns Hopkins University library in digitizing their collection of sheet music; motivation for buckets, Smart Object, Dumb Archive (SODA) and the Open Archives Initiative (OAI), and initial experiences using them in digital library (DL) testbeds; requirements for archival institutions, the National…

Introduces the MicroObservatory Network of automated telescopes which is designed to provide access to classroom teachers who wish their students to conduct projects over the World Wide Web. Allows students to take pictures with remote pointing and focusing telescopes. Encourages collaboration among schools. (Contains 18 references.) (Author/YDS)

Provides educators with a basic understanding of what networks are and how they can be used in educational settings. Topics include issues, policies, and equipment involved in setting up a network; software; telephone service; a computer facilitator; and the Internet and the World Wide Web for elementary and secondary education. (LRW)

Explains how intranets facilitate documentation availability within a company at substantial cost savings. Topics include intranet document management systems (IDMS); publication costs for printed materials; hardware and software specifications; performance; and security. (Author/LRW)

Explores the possibility of using Web contact center software to offer reference assistance to remote users. Discusses a project by the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System/Santiago Library System consortium to test contact center software and to develop a virtual reference network. (Author/LRW)

Describes the design and assessment of a video-intensive case-based multimedia tool called HyperMeasure for educating prospective teachers about primary children's mathematical reasoning on linear, area, and volume measure. Reports on a descriptive study of the individual learning of preservice teacher candidates (N=12) using HyperMeasure.…