The author has been a witness to the birth of the personal computer culture, with its intense one-on-one relationships with machines, and then to the development of the networked culture, with people using the computer to communicate with each other. In her most recent work on the revolutions in social networking and sociable robotics, she sees a…

Academic institutions mediate online literacy practices in meaningful and significant ways. This essay explores the nature of that mediational process, using a visual-spatial method to map out and conceptualize dynamics and structures that have a bearing on the work of composition. A key argument is that composition teachers are intellectually…

Discussion of the recent computer virus attacks on computers with vulnerable operating systems focuses on the values of educational computer networks. The need for computer security procedures is emphasized, and the ethical use of computer hardware and software is discussed. (LRW)

Describes and defines the relationship between and capabilities of World Wide Web (WWW) and Mosaic, a software interface program. The uses of hypertext and hypermedia and possibilities for educational use of Mosaic are mentioned. A sidebar includes information on recommended material on the WWW and Mosaic. (JKP)

When we planned the editorial calendar with the topic ubiquitous computing, we were thinking of ubiquitous computing as the one-to-one ratio of computers to students and teachers and 24/7 access to electronic resources. At the time, we were aware that ubiquitous computing in the computer science field had more to do with wearable computers. Our…

Discusses the differences between computer-mediated communication (CMC) and print or oral communication. Describes advantages and problems of using electronic mail in a business context. Recommends research and teaching of CMC in the business writing classroom. (MM)

Describes three main uses of computers for writing as a social activity: networking, telecommunications, and project work. Examines advantages and disadvantages of teaching writing on a network. Argues that reports in the literature and the example of an English as a foreign language writing class show that project work shares most of the…

For some reason, the idea of the nature writer at work in the open air has been exalted, and it is difficult to think that writing about nature might be compatible with computers, the ultimate indoor toy. However, for students learning to write about nature, a networked computer environment may be the best place to be, not for replacing the…

Discusses the World Wide Web, a system used to display and distribute information on the Internet through hypertext links. Topics include browsing software called Mosaic; Web resources for elementary and secondary education students and teachers; online educational resources; Web server sites; and creating a home page. (LRW)

Describes the availability, installation, and use of the ZhonWen Disk Operating System (ZWDOS) to display, print, and transmit Chinese characters on conventional International Business Machines (IBM) personal computers and IBM-compatible machines. Also discussed is the use of ZWDOS to compose electronic mail messages, read newsgroups, and access…

"Active readers" are silent members of telecommunications networks who read but do not contribute. Often derided as lurkers, active readers benefit from their network participation and in turn professionally benefit others. A study, still in progress, is interviewing 20 silent participants of the LabNet community who have posted fewer…

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)

Discusses the uses of the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web (WWW), in developmental education courses. Examines the underpinnings of the WWW, means by which users can access information, and some potential applications for developmental students. Includes addresses of sample WWW sites. (MAB)

Argues that the real worth of wide-area computer-mediated communications networks in supporting reform and improvement in K-12 education is the opportunity to develop collaborative projects that link educators and students to provide meaningful learning experiences connected to the curriculum and that such projects are essential to make NREN an…

Suggests that the classroom of the future will include more technology, more networking, more telecommunications, more interactive learning with computers, a greater use of the interactive videodisc, more multimedia learning environments, more computer databases for education, more special materials for special learners, and more materials that…