Describes Telecommunications Opportunities for Gifted Learners (TOGL), a state-funded project in Florida that links gifted programs in rural districts. The use of electronic mail and computer conferences is described; teacher education and training needs are discussed; and an example of a lesson plan that integrates online activities is given.…

Describes the design of a customized online service at the Lister Hill Library (Alabama) that used a dial-in modem system to provide remote access to medical research materials. Problems with hardware and software incompatibility are discussed, user training is described, and the successful results are reviewed. (LRW)

Describes the role that school administrators should play when adopting integrated learning systems (ILSs). The school district superintendent's role in the decision-making process is described, including identifying institutional needs, networking configurations, and training and support needs; and the facilitative and supportive role required of…

Describes electronic publishing and information resources in the field of music. Topics addressed include bibliographic citations of books, journal articles, scores, and sound recordings; bibliographic utilities; computer network resources; electronic music applications; tutorial and laboratory projects; interactive multimedia publications; and…

Uses a range of case studies to provide an international overview of the use of technologies in education and training. Discusses the current context for distance education and training, and identifies principles which contribute to meeting the needs of learners, content, and institution. (Author/AEF)

Examines the varied factors involved in providing Internet access in K-12 education, including expense, computer installation and maintenance, and security, and explores how the network computer could be useful in this context. Operating systems and servers are discussed. (MSE)

Students in a third-year introduction to German literature course chatted over networked computers, using "FirstClass" software. A brief description of the course design is provided with detailed information on how the three chat sessions were organized. (Author/VWL)

Describes a Bryant College (Rhode Island) program to expedite computer connections for students at the beginning of the school semester. Includes a discussion of the techniques used to communicate with students before and upon arrival on campus, make software available, install hardware, remotely activate student room ports, and provide support…

Describes the development of educational-technology programs at Covington High School (Louisiana) that resulted in students' building computers and computer networks. Explains how this concept of learning real-world skills and meeting student needs has now carried over into other curriculum areas. Discusses staff-development opportunities. (LRW)

Explores the results obtained from using a computer network for real-time synchronous discussion in a course for students of English as a foreign language. Found that computer conferencing had noticeable effects on students' motivation for language learning. (Author/VWL)

Examines how elementary school students improved their scientific discourse on a computer-networked database environment called Computer-Supported Intentional Learning Environments (CSILE). Results showed that system affordance specially designed for jointly written discourse in the discussion-note based (D-CSILE) configuration significantly…

Presents an exploratory case study with preservice teacher education students of an experience in collaborative discourse mediated through an educationally designed network-based application. Topics include computer mediated communication; text-based communication; small group discussion; and software design, including the design of IdeaWeb that…

Argues that, for a successful pedagogy of online portfolios, teachers should set up the computer network before the term begins; guide students to teach themselves how to use the system; explain the portfolio system at the beginning of the term; prompt revision even on "satisfactory" submissions; accept revisions only from…

The pervasive use of communication technology in schools and universities requires increased security to safeguard information confidentiality, integrity, availability, utility, and authenticity. This article, the first of two, examines procedures for implementing security policy, techniques for minimizing vulnerability, and techniques for…

Discusses the Internet and how it works, beginning with its origins in the U.S. military and covering such issues as clients and servers, upload and download, and the World Wide Web. (Author/PVD)