Describes KIDSPHERE, an Internet-based mailing list that was created to further the development of school computer networks. Its role in building a community of educators on the Internet and in furthering the goals of educational reform is discussed; other topics include the value it provides, distribution, and funding. (Author/LRW)

Explains the passing of the information age and discusses its successor and the paradigm for the immediate future; i.e., the communication age. The importance of the communication age to elementary and secondary education is outlined, and the emerging wide-bandwidth Internet technology is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the use of wide area computer networks to facilitate community-building and educational reform in elementary-secondary education focuses on a project in Pittsburgh called Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh that is seeking to develop new environments for teaching and learning. Guidelines for other school districts are presented. (LRW)

Explains the need for quality educational technology in elementary and secondary schools, describes the potential that telecommunications network technology holds for revitalizing American education, and outlines major federal programs that provide policy guidance and funding assistance relating to the National Information Infrastructure. A list…