Discussion of computer-mediated communication focuses on the development of the BITNET computer network. The use of BITNET for interactive messaging, batch file transfer, and electronic mail is described; server programs are explained; and possible future developments of BITNET are discussed. (seven references) (LRW)

Describes the World Wide Web (WWW), a navigational tool to organize information on the Internet into a set of hypertext documents. Hypertext is explained; relationships between WWW, Gopher, and Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS) are discussed; and future possibilities are considered. (Contains three references.) (LRW)

Discusses software used for formatting bibliographies and describes 52 programs. Information provided includes type of operating system required, publication formats, citation styles, ability to arrange by subject, use of downloaded references, network versions, costs, and plans for future changes. A directory of the programs and producers is…

Discusses Prospero, a distributed file system which provides tools to help users organize INTERNET resources. The Virtual System Model, the basis for Prospero, is introduced. Possible ways of organizing and retrieving information are described and illustrated with a sample session. Plans for the future are considered. (11 references) (MES)

Describes the work of the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID) to create Internet 2, with high speed networks, quality applications, and group collaboration. Topics include the Internet 2 technologies; advanced applications; middleware; the advanced network initiative; and partnerships between the academic, corporate,…

Discusses the current use of simulation and gaming in a variety of settings. Describes advances in technology that facilitate the use of simulation and gaming, including computer power, computer networks, software, object-oriented programming, video, multimedia, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Considers the future use of simulation…

Discusses the uses of microcomputers in libraries. Highlights include selecting hardware and software; providing microcomputers for public use; using microcomputers to access larger systems; the use of general purpose software, including desktop publishing; computer networks; library specific software; and the future of microcomputers in…

Describes CHMINF-L (Chemical Information Sources Discussion List), including the history of its development on the Internet, its place in today's chemical information environment, and its possible future developments. Typical postings are described, subscription information is included, and listserv features and the future of listserv and similar…

Describes the development of the WAIS (Wide Area Information Servers) protocol, a system that allows users access to personal, corporate, and commercial electronic information from one interface. The availability of WAIS on the Internet and the reactions of users are addressed. Several problems are considered, including funding, hardware…

The second session of IT@EDU98 consisted of four papers on multimedia and was chaired by Luu Tien Hiep (Lotus College, Vietnam). "Multimedia Education" (Tran Van Hao, Ngo Huy Hoang) describes "Multimedia Education v. 1.0," an educational software program for elementary school children that uses games to teach counting,…

Explains MOOsburg, a community-oriented MOO that models the geography of the town of Blacksburg, Virginia and is designed to be used by local residents. Highlights include the software architecture; client-server communication; spatial database; user interface; interaction; map-based navigation; application development; and future plans. (LRW)

Discussion of hypertext and hypermedia focuses on its use in the production of interactive and distributed documents. Topics include the World Wide Web; HTML (Hypertext Markup Language); client interfaces; gateways to other computer network protocols; and future considerations, including cultural and linguistic problems, software, legal and…

Describes issues an organization must consider when preparing for the creation and installation of an international wide area network (WAN) to help link developing countries. Hardware and software needs are considered; the use of commercial vendors is discussed; a needs assessment is described; and technical and cultural difficulties are…

Describes the development of strategies and software to help people work collaboratively while at a distance from one another. The importance of collaborative activities, the shared spaces concept behind groupware, examples of software that support synchronous and asynchronous group activities, and design issues for educational groupware are…

Introduction: This study investigates the processes involved in the development of a broadband community network in the Northeast USA. A community network project was studied by tracing the developmental processes from network design to the stabilisation of information infrastructure. Method: A case study was conducted on the broadband community…