Describes the three most active computerized discussion forums available to educational researchers on BITNET: the Educational Research List (ERL-L), the Education Policy Analysis List (EDPOLYAN), and the Educational Technology List (EDTECH). Lists nine other BITNET discussion groups of related interest. Addresses and access information are…

A list of science-related computer bulletin board systems is presented. Entries include geographic area, phone number, and a short explanation of services. Also included are the addresses and phone numbers of selected commercial services. (KR)

Provides an overview of school networking options and explores what speedier broadband technologies mean for education. Topics include Ethernet; wireless options for connection to the Internet; local area networks; wide area networks; phone lines; satellite access; cable modems; digital subscriber line (DSL); and funding networks through the…

Describes the Pan-Pacific Education and Communication Experiments by Satellite (PEACESAT), a public service telecommunication program developed to facilitate the use of telecommunications and information technologies. Highlights include the historical development; digital capabilities; cooperation and collaboration with users, government, and…

Wireless hotspots are popping up in local coffee shops everywhere. Anyone with a wireless-ready laptop or PDA can surf the Internet at one of these hotspots. The same is now true for all 32 branches of the Orange County Public Library (OCPL) in California. Though many public library systems are moving toward wireless access, most require patrons…

Describes external sources of funding for public libraries to establish and maintain their technology infrastructure, telecommunications services, and network-based resources and services. Highlights include LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act); the E-rate program; and the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation U.S. Library Program. (LRW)

Discusses results of a study that examined preservice and inservice teachers' use of hand-held Computer-Based Observational Assessment Tools (CBOATs) in a distance education environment using the Iowa Communications Network. The CBOAT studied was Learner Profile, which included a small bar-code reader and data management software. (LRW)

Telematics, the combined use of computers and telecommunications networks, is increasingly becoming part of the vocabulary of trade unions. Workers' organizations are using telematics for mailing lists, information dissemination, telecourses, and computer conferencing. (SK)

Computer bulletin board systems, commercial services, technical services, and academic/professional networks are described. Directions on how to get started using these types of networks and examples of ways they can be used are provided. (KR)

Discusses issues involved in the creation of the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Telecommunications technology is described; support from industry and libraries is discussed; and problems with NREN are raised, including equal access to computerized information, privacy issues, and protection of First Amendment rights. (LRW)

Discusses wireless local area networks (LANs) which typically consist of laptop computers that connect to fixed access points via infrared or radio signals. Topics include wide area networks; personal area networks; problems, including limitations of available bandwidth, interference, and security concerns; use in education; interoperability;…

Internet Protocol (IP) Telephony, or voice-over IP (VoIP), has proved to be a wise decision for many organizations. This technology crosses the boundaries of public and private networks, enterprise and residential markets, voice and data technologies, as well as local and long-distance services. The convergence of voice and data into a single,…

This paper describes the advantages of using computer bulletin boards systems (BBS) for distance learning, including the use of the New York City Education Network (NYCENET) to access various databases and to communicate with individuals or the public. Questions to be answered in order to determine the most appropriate software for running a BBS…

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) has been given the responsibility for providing distance education in Alaska, a vast state geographically with a disperse population. With the vastness of the area for which UAS is responsible for providing educational opportunities, the only cost effective method to meet those responsibilities is distance…

Presents the fourth annual listing of the 10 "hottest" telecommunications technologies. Describes Web broadcasting, remote-access servers, extranets, Internet telephony, enterprise network directory services, Web site management tools, IP (Internet Protocols) switching, wavelength division multiplexing, digital subscriber lines, and…