Compares the performance of 85 freshmen and sophomores enrolled in two sections of an online introductory networking and telecommunications course. One section utilized a network simulation package that allows the student to build and send data through different network configurations; the second section used a static network diagramming software…

Logical communication structures organize basic telecommunications services to meet the aims and requirements of groups working on the Internet. This article clarifies logical communication structures within an educational context and illustrates how the communication requirements of work or study groups correspond to a variety of…

Describes a project at SUNY (State University of New York) colleges that was designed to deliver wide area network access to CD-ROM-mounted databases to share library resources. Discusses the need for unsaturated telecommunications lines of sufficient bandwidth; CD-ROM applications software; and stable, proven network software. (LRW)

Describes the development, current status, and possible future of NSFNET, which is a backbone network designed to connect five national supercomputer centers established by the National Science Foundation. The discussion covers the implications of this network for research and national networking needs. (CLB)

Describes a computer network developed at the School of Engineering at Rice University which links users to a supporting mainframe and other major computing facilities, and creates an electronic studio for students. Topics discussed include network planning, design, and maintenance; software and courseware used; and implications for other academic…

Describes a vision of a distance learning environment, and emphasizes the use of computers for active communication, participation, and collaboration of instructors and students. Identifies educational activities and matches them with corresponding systems capabilities. (14 references) (Author/DGM)

Examines The Internet Adapter (TIA), an Internet protocol that allows computers to be directly on the Internet and access graphics over standard telephone lines using high-speed modems. Compares TIA's system requirements, performance, and costs to other Internet connections. Sidebars describe connections other than TIA and how to find information…

Increasing use of computer networks such as the World Wide Web makes it necessary for colleges and universities to formulate policies concerning institution-related postings. This involves designing institutional pages that are well-formulated, accurate, and in compliance with state and federal laws, and establishing policy that allows for some…

Integrated services digital network (ISDN) is a dial-up digital transmission service supporting transmission of audio, video, and text data over standard copper telephone wires or fiber optic cables. Advantages of ISDN over analog transmission include the ability of one phone line to support up to three simultaneous, separate conversations (phone,…

Describes present and future plans for the campuswide communications network at Case Western Reserve University (Ohio). Highlights include upgrading from baseband to broadband technologies; ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)-based networks that allow simultaneous voice, video, and data transmission; strategic planning goals; implications for…

This study examined circumstances leading teachers to incorporate telecommunications into practice. Case studies of teachers involved in a telecommunications project (three participants and three nonparticipants) indicated that those who integrated telecommunications into teaching valued the use of an interactive learning network and had figured…

Discusses wireless (diffuse infrared) networking technology to link laptop computers in a computer programming and numerical methods course at Duke University (North Carolina). Describes products and technologies, and effects on classroom dynamics. Reports on effective instructional strategies for lecture, solving student problems, building shared…

Describes the Iowa General Chemistry Network that was developed to change content, teaching, and learning methods of introductory college chemistry courses. Highlights include using the Iowa Communications Network for distance education and curriculum reform, using the Internet and World Wide Web, and chemistry laboratory experiences and…

A discussion of tools available for use of the Internet, particularly by college and university educators and students, offers information on use of various services, including electronic mailing list servers, data communications protocols for networking, inter-host connections, file transfer protocol, gopher software, bibliographic searching,…

Many college faculty and students are upset by a Senate measure limiting obscenity on the Internet, feeling it would damage the network and infringe on free speech rights. The current measure seeks to punish individuals distributing items deemed offensive, but generally protects system operators. (MSE)