Discusses the academic computing movement during the 1980s, focusing on the Faculty Workstations Project at Brown University. Six departments are compared: chemistry, cognitive and linguistic sciences, geology, music, neural science, and sociology. Discusses the theoretical implications of the study for conceptualizing the relationship of…

Reviews the progress and problems associated with the development of Carnegie Mellon University's new computing and communications system, "Andrew." Describes the accomplishments and capacities of the system and provides examples of the programs developed for "Andrew." (ML)

Traces the origin, changes, and current status of the PLATO system at the University of Illinois. Highlights the program's benefits to students, its adaptations, and its establishment of large networking systems. (ML)

Offers points to consider when deciding whether to begin a full-scale campus portal project. Discusses approaches for creating campus portals; implementation strategies; barriers to implementation; and the potential ability of portals to extend the academic experience beyond the classroom to create 21st century learning communities. (AEF)

Presents an overview of the Computer-Aided Engineering Network (CAEN) of the University of Michigan. Describes its arrangement of workstations, communication networks, and servers. Outlines the factors considered in hardware and software decision making. Reviews the program's impact on students. (ML)

Internet2, a consortium effort of over 100 universities, is investing in upgrading campus and national computer network platforms for such applications as digital libraries, collaboration environments, tele-medicine, and distance-independent instruction. The project is described, issues the project intends to address are detailed, and ways in…

Discusses a typology that can be used to guide educators in selection of cyberspace tools to accomplish specific tasks. The typology consists of four main divisions of properties: number of people communicating; real-time communications; permanency of communications; and automatic delivery to audience. These four divisions result in 16 possible…

Describes a model of inservice education designed to increase opportunities for teacher interaction and the availability of instructional resources. Emphasizes teacher control. Discusses workshops, school visits, and computer conferencing. Presents an analysis of the participation of teachers in computer conferencing following the workshop. (CW)

This project sought to explore the educational potential of three models of a University of Indiana computer conferencing technology in facilitating collaborative learning and enhancing social interaction in instructional contexts that provide limited face-to-face contact among the students. The study examined each of the three models of computer…

The Alberta Special Education Network (ASPEN) is a computer-based communications and information network geared to the teaching and learning of exceptional children in rural Alberta, Canada. Network features include toll-free telephone access, a menu-driven user interface, training and awareness, electronic mail, weekly news, forums, and a…

Discussed is how globally networked, easy-to-use computers can enhance learning only within an educational environment that encourages students to question "facts" and seek challenges. The strengths and weaknesses of computers used as amplifiers for learning are described. (KR)

As Abilene and other research networks designed to substantially enhance research capabilities join the Internet, network managers are concerned about unforeseen problems with the untested systems and their complex connections. (MSE)

Assesses BRUNET, a campuswide network that links more than 100 academic and administrative buildings and 40 dormitories. Notes a key element is hierarchical network management and support. Discusses the deployment, security, and use of four networking spheres in the system. (MVL)

Defines the six key pressures that have given rise to the emerging enterprise academic-computing imperative. These include the pressure to (1) improve instructional quality; (2) unify disparate academic-computing resources; (3) demonstrate return on network investment; (4) reach more students; (5) lower costs in delivery of instruction; and (6)…

Describes a system which emulates a face-to-face classroom where groups of students can participate online using standard low cost personal computer hardware at the student's location. Provides an overview, rationale, assumptions, design problems, and limitations of the program. Discusses alternative uses and evaluation of the technique. (MVL)