Since electronic networking via microcomputers is fast becoming one of the most popular communications mediums of this decade, this manual is designed to help educators use personal computers as communication devices. The purpose of the document is to acquaint the reader with: (1) the many available communications options on electronic networks;…

Designed to promote the interchange of information and services among the people of the region, the Eastern Caribbean Center Telecommunications Project Network (ECCTP) utilizes a network of both audio and computer-linked nodes connected by telephone lines to deliver instruction to remote sites. This network has been used by ECCTP to conduct…

The original goal of an information center was to create an environment wherein end users could generate their own analyses and management reports from institutional data without the direct aid of information systems staff. It is suggested, however, that real productivity gains are not being achieved. (MLW)

More than 40 leading computer and telephony companies have united to lead the charge toward open standards and universal interoperability for Internet telephony products. The voice of IP Forum (VoIP) is working to define technical guidelines for two-party, real-time communications over IP networks, including provisions for compatibility with…

This special section contains dispatches from the school technology frontier and four feature articles. Lars Kongshem shows how a rural Virginia community connects citizens and schools. Donna Harrington-Lueker describes a North Carolina "virtual high school." Richard J. Coley summarizes a study on school technology effectiveness.…

Discusses digital intellectual property rights relating to peer-to-peer networks, using Napster as an example. Suggests anti-piracy solutions to prevent litigation and considers how libraries can develop potential service models using peer-to-peer networks, including the development of personal libraries on the Internet, interlibrary loan,…

Introduces an extension of the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for closed multiparty conferences; the extension expands SIP for discovery of participant identities in a conference, and ensures that each participant is notified before a new participant joins. Verifies this extension by applying it to two SIP conference models. Concludes with an…

Describes an international interlibrary loan (ILL) protocol that was developed by the National Library of Canada to permit the exchange of ILL messages between bibliographic institutions that use different computers, systems, and communications services. Standardization is discussed, protocol testing is described, and international ILL protocol…

Several ways in which colleges and universities without direct access to the Internet can make use of its services are offered, including establishing an account with a commercial vendor, using inexpensive local providers, and connecting through nearby campuses. (MSE)

Faculty of the North Dakota State University/Tri-College University Educational Administration Program felt the need to assess its current plan for teaching via a statewide interactive video network. The system's technical and structural barriers are discussed and evaluated, along with field-tested innovations and network extensions.…

Describes plans by the Council of Great Lakes Governors, which includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio, to develop an information highway linking state governments, computer and research networks, telecommunications providers, and universities. Highlights include the Internet,…

A Nebraska consultant/former teacher explains his role in developing Internet accounts for teachers while working on a wetlands distance-learning project and an arts-education consortium. He explains ARTnet and other Internet services, including Telnet, FTP (file transfer protocol), the Gopher retrieval system, NetNews, and Listservs. Sidebars…

Reviews the development of telecommunications networks and describes current technology being used for online information retrieval. Highlights include use for military and research needs; experiences in Europe versus those in the United States; value-added networks (VANs); local area networks (LANs) and personal computers; and the Integrated…

Three articles discuss (1) the numbers of microcomputers installed in elementary and secondary schools; (2) a distance education project in the Minnesota Extension Service that used a satellite delivery system and integrated it with a computer information network; and (3) the use of facsimile machines for library services. (LRW)

The LISTSERV program on the BITNET computer network started as a simple mailing list program for electronic group communication. A revised version of LISTSERV now offers sophisticated new functions and help for users, including file-server functions. Problems with the revised version are noted, and computer commands are provided. (six references)…