Basic information for teachers on using computer networks is offered, including local area networks; national and global networks; electronic mail; finding a connection (local bulletin board systems, college and university computer systems, and state and regional systems); and the Internet. (DB)

A district-wide Intranet offers school districts the potential for communication, efficiency, and organizational growth. This paper explains the difference between the Intranet and Internet, discusses how the Intranet can help schools, and notes potential problems when working with it. The paper recommends learning to communicate and collaborate…

Technologies can play a role in restructuring schools, but they can also effectively support existing school structures depending on how they are designed and used. This paper contrasts the organizational impact of two technology systems in terms of the physical location in the school, the curriculum, how time is scheduled, and the opportunities…

This issue of "The Electronic School" features a special forum on computer networking. Articles specifically focus on network operating systems, cabling requirements, and network architecture. Tom Wall argues that virtual reality is not yet ready for classroom use. B.J. Novitsky profiles two high schools experimenting with CD-ROM…

Discussion of the role of new computer communications technologies in education focuses on modern networking systems, including fiber distributed data interface and Integrated Services Digital Network; strategies for implementing networked-based communication; and public online information resources for the classroom, including Bitnet, Internet,…

Where other educational technologies like television, the VCR and the stand-alone computer have failed to have much of an impact in public schools, local school networks and the Internet have been succeeding. As of 1997, 89% of America's high schools were connected to a computer network. This paper presents a view of network technology from the…

Presents insights of what does and doesn't work in school library local area network (LAN) printing in terms of five "myths": (1) "You need a network to share a printer;" (2) "Printing is much faster on a network;" (3) "All printers are created equal;" (4) "If one is good, two are better;" (5) "I'll never learn." (AEF)

This paper identifies a paradigm shift that must take place in school networking. The ultimate goal is to retool the schools with a local technical infrastructure that gives teachers and students immediate access to communication systems and information resources, thereby supporting the implementation of advances in pedagogy and educational…

This paper describes METN (Maryland Education Technology Network), a network which is designed to assist Maryland schools in developing instructional computing, while also working to provide equitable access to computers to all Maryland students. The process of creating the system is described, and a number of lessons learned from its development…

Discusses the planning and installation of a high school local area network. Highlights include suggestions for: defining goals, applying for funding, coordinating installation, teacher training, developing district technology plans, plans for growth, choosing locations, maintenance plans, system security, system backup, and use studies. (JKP)

Reports on the installation of a local area network (LAN) at East Carolina University. Topics include designing the network; computer labs and electronic mail; Internet connectivity; LAN expenses; and recommendations on planning, equipment, administration, and training. A glossary of networking terms is also provided. (AEF)

This description of the Model Edspec, which can be used by itself or in conjunction with the "Format Guide of Educational Specifications," serves as a comprehensive planning tool for the selection and application of technology. The model is designed to assist schools in implementing the facilities development process, thereby making…

This videotape records a two-hour live teleconference that had over 500 participants and was broadcast on May 8, 1996. The hosts, experienced school network designers, provide examples of school networks, address network design features, and discuss planning considerations that face educators needing to make intelligent decisions about constantly…

This report examines the effects of technological change on Arizona's Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and assesses changes and progress made since the publication of MCCCD's Master Plan for Instructional Computing in 1986. The first section views constant change in computer technology as a running stream and examines the need…

This hands-on practical guide contains all the information the network novice needs to plan, fund, create, and maintain a local area network (LAN) in the school library media center. Step-by-step nontechnical instructions and advice for creating an information network are presented in understandable format. The network novice is taken from dream…