Current workflow systems largely assume a closed network where all the software is available on a homogenous platform and all participants are locally linked together at the same time. The field of Electronic Distance Education (EDE) on the other hand, requires the next-generation workflow that will integrate workflows from a distributed…

The mission of the NetPro European project is to develop project-based learning through the Internet. The NetPro project is creating tools and services to facilitate communication and collaboration between distant students, and to manage access and control of project deliverables. NetPro project teams form cross-institutional learning communities.…

Oklahoma Christian University has implemented a ubiquitous computing program where every student and faculty member are equipped with IBM ThinkPad laptops that are connected to a wireless network. The technological enhancements provided by this program helped to create an environment where collaboration between students and faculty could be…

This collection of commissioned papers provides a variety of perspectives on the impact of global information networks. The following articles are included: "The Promise of Global Networks: An Introduction" (Jorge Reina Schement); "Architecture and Expectations: Networks of the World--Unite!" (Marjory S. Blumenthal); "The…

Nearly 90% of all University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) students and staff are regular users of e-mail. The University has taken advantage of this widespread use and replaced many paper distributions--payroll earnings statements, unofficial transcripts, degree audits, adviser grade reports, bills, et cetera--with distribution via e-mail.…

Reviews traditional issues surrounding authorization and authentication in an organization-centered framework and introduces new interorganizational issues that dominate networked information environment. Describes three major approaches to authentication and authorization for the interorganizational environment and discusses the following…

Outlines three rules to help companies plan for and implement intranets: (1) adopt a long-term vision for corporate Intranet usage; (2) create a culture of information usage; and (3) recognize, adapt to and take advantage of the inherent qualities of electronic information. (AEF)

Twenty-four participants designed projects for a local community network related to a political issue. Results showed politically active respondents did not directly transfer their level of activism from real world to the digital. People with little Internet experience needed training and experience online before they discussed more active forms…

Initial results of this study of post-graduate students using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as part of their course showed that both distance and face-to-face students, native speakers (NS) and non native speakers (NNS), working collaboratively on the same course through the VLE, had comparable outcomes on essay assignments and that NNS and…

Examines Free-Net, and discusses its development and usefulness in delivering the information and services typically provided by community information centers. Discussion includes 10 characteristics of Free-Nets; and sidebars include selected examples of Free-Nets, how to try out a Free-Net, and a sample of Cleveland Free-Net=FEs main menu. (24…

Focuses on the ambiguities in the fluid human-telemedia infrastructure. Suggests the need for new signposts to guide our understanding of this environment and the changes it will bring to social roles. (Author)

Introduces the Internet, including a brief history of the system, the essential components, and a step-by-step procedure for getting started. Discusses online services of specific interest to Hispanics. Also considers the political debate over privatization of services. (RAH)

Describes SPINN (School Project in Northern Norway), a collaboration between the University of Trondheim and secondary schools that was designed to develop experiences on pedagogical, technological, and organizational matters using data communication. Highlights include Windows-based software, organization and training, individual school projects,…

Argues that networked classrooms offer a number of opportunities for effective writing instruction. Argues that shared discourse in the networked-computer classroom has three levels forming a continuum of interactivity: students sending messages "at,""to," and "between" each other. Offers classroom examples of each level of discourse. (SR)

Describes how using conferencing software in a computer-assisted writing environment became a catalyst for a distinctive learning ecology that interrelated prosocial student behaviors, learner-centered teaching, and assessment. Argues that the conferencing class not only helped students apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in…