The principle of equality states that it is bad for some people to be worse off than others. In the context of distance education, this principle is violated on those occasions where on-campus students have access, not only to all the resources available to distance education students, but also to face-to-face tutorials. This is because the…

Discusses equity in access to Internet technology. Highlights include equity at school; the Internet factor, including the e-rate; access in the community, including computer camps; home access to the Internet; and the importance of technological literacy, for education or for work. (LRW)

Discusses models of home educational computing that are linked to learning in school and recommends the need for research that addresses the home as a computer-based learning environment. Topics include a history of research on educational computing at home; technological infrastructure, including software and compatibility; Internet access;…

This Finnish study linked two secondary school classrooms to one virtual classroom to enhance the quality of education in small schools. Discusses advantages, including the rapid development of pragmatism and intellectual and social partnership; and disadvantages, including a lack of intimacy and students' difficulties with self discipline and…

Discusses access to information technology and technological change; examines the culture that has grown up around computers; discusses previous military funding of academic computing and the need to change focus; describes the use of computers to promote equity and access; and considers the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Electronic…

Discusses the need to assist minority students in using computer applications to increase their chances of academic and job success. Topics include benefits of technology; equal access; use of the Internet to broaden ethnic and cultural interaction; creating optimum learning; cultural differences; and nonverbal communication. (LRW)

Considers digital equity, including not just access to technology but also quality and use of technology. Topics include hardware and bandwidth; content and critical thinking; preparing educators; preservice training; leadership; special education; non-English languages and literacy; unfamiliar cultures; itinerant students; and gender issues. (LRW)

Suggests that "digital differences" is a more appropriate view of the situation facing educators than the concept of the "digital divide." Introduces five principles providing direction for the design and development of technology-enhanced educational activities appropriate to the diversity of students-with-computer-access:…

Discussion of the ethical use of electronic mail highlights a study at Gallaudet University (District of Columbia) that investigated student and faculty attitudes concerning privacy, equal access to information, and social conduct on the system. Results for deaf and hearing individuals are compared, and the use of telecommunications to help…

Identifies fundamental educational values that have been incorporated into the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Electronic Learners, including equality of access; active, responsible citizenship; control over personal information; freedom of speech; respect for work of others; and responsibility to conserve and protect resources. (LRW)

Distance learning is the separation of teacher and student by time and space. Rapid advances in communications technology have allowed distance learning to become one of the fastest-growing trends in higher education. College courses are being delivered across a highway that is global in scope. Today, two thirds of the 4,000 accredited colleges…