This review paper examines ongoing research on a range of applications of electronic discussion in a laptop university teacher education program. The findings and challenges of employing electronic discussion are discussed and the authors make a case for selecting instructional models that encourage substantive discussion on the part of the…

The Internet can enhance education for students of all ages. The article explains how to begin on the Internet, discussing what e-mail is and how to use it for networking or generating assignments. A section for experienced users examines common Internet tools. Resources for using the Internet are included. (SM)

Explains the Apple Core Project, which connects participating Catholic schools/dioceses via the CONNECT telecommunications service. Describes electronic mail and forum features, including a special forum dedicated to Catholic schools. (DMM)

Introduces the 4-E model that predicts an individual's likelihood of using a telematics application for a learning-related task can be expressed in terms of four main sets of factors: educational effectiveness, ease of use, engagement, and environment. Tests this model through a survey of 550 people involved with educational and training…

Describes a series of e-mail writing assignments and other online writing activities for English-as-a-second-language (ESL) students. Suggests that computers help improve ESL students' writing. (RS)

Describes the use of the AT&T Learning Network by eighth graders at St. Matthias School in Somerset, NJ, to communicate with students around the world. The Learning Network enables students/teachers to work together with students in different geographical locations on various educational projects involving telecommunications. (DMM)

Describes technological changes implemented by the Diocese of San Jose, California, in the areas of interschool communication via electronic mail; collaboration with Apple Computer for training in electronic mail; teacher training in basic computer applications; facilities/equipment improvement; and integration of technology throughout the…

At Valdosta State University (Georgia), a philosophy course, "A Virtual Classroom: The Electronic Agora," was developed and conducted entirely through computer media. Twenty-one students were in the class. The two main activities, addressing the central objectives of a philosophy course, were: (1) research, and (2) class discussion and…

This study compared the effects of using voice mail (v-mail) to electronic mail (e-mail) over the Internet to provide student feedback using Media Richness Theory (MRT) and Social Presence Theory (SPT) as the theoretical framework. MRT and SPT would predict that v-mail would be perceived as higher than e-mail in media richness and social presence.…

Discussion with Vinton G. Cerf, widely known as father of the Internet and creator of the original email system, focuses on societal implications of the Internet; filtering; hypertext; email; the need for a global legal framework; e-commerce and potential for Web-based businesses; and implications of the Internet for education. (LRW)

Presents ideas for encouraging teachers' technology use: create video illusions; challenge teachers to an online personality test; get staff e-mail accounts; encourage students/staff to e-mail relatives and friends; give seminars on multitask/multimedia programs; help students create newsletters; print holiday letters; search the Web for topics;…

Examines data from three surveys of undergraduates at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst that were collected over a five-year period to uncover the nature and source of change in students' computer use and ownership. Results show personal ownership rising, use of word processing and email increasing. (Contains 9 references.) (Author/LRW)

Necessary conditions for successful integration of computers and other media into education include accessibility of hardware and software, opportunities for training and familiarization, and positive ideology. If these conditions are met, the result will be the development of demand on the part of faculty, pressure for more efficient systems and…

This article presents a list of the most current and commonly used computer networking terms, providing brief descriptions of each. The terms are related to hardware, software, electronic networks and services, making the connection, and locating information in cyberspace. (SM)

Cites the proliferation of computer hardware and software as putting a great variety of time and labor-saving capabilities within reach of nearly any organization. Suggests 27 different ways to use a personal computer within the context of an environmental health program. (Author/MCO)