States that, like anthropology 100 years ago, studying online environments is a relatively new endeavor today. Discusses elements of an online version of ethnography, including triangulation, ethics, reflexivity, and the importance of linking online environments to real-world contexts. Describes parallels among the three stages of development of…

One problem with state speech organizations is the lack of common sense sometimes shown in selecting the geographic locations of the conventions. The best solution is for the conference to be held in the middle of the state, so that attendance will be greater and representation more even-handed. Some have suggested the elimination of state…

This student project involved publishing the author's log of art museum and gallery visits, undertaken as part of a liberal arts class, on some of the computer bulletin boards in the New York City area. Purposes of the project were to share what was learned in the class, to acquire experience with online group interaction, and to determine what is…

ConnectPac, a software package developed at Iona College to allow a computer user to access all services from a single personal computer, is described. ConnectPac uses mainframe computing to support a campus computing network, integrating personal and centralized computing into a menu-driven user environment. (Author/MLW)

The LISTSERV program on the BITNET computer network started as a simple mailing list program for electronic group communication. A revised version of LISTSERV now offers sophisticated new functions and help for users, including file-server functions. Problems with the revised version are noted, and computer commands are provided. (six references)…

Examines the ways in which writing teachers present themselves in a virtual classroom--a computer networked first-year composition classroom. Discusses how the teachers' online presence relate to their off-line, "live" presence. Suggests that differences among teacher are more important than similarities. (RS)

"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…

The authors document an experimental writing course that uses electronic networks to create an online classroom for writing instruction. They describe a typical class meeting and discuss the challenges and results of teaching in this new environment. (JOW)

Researchers at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock conducted a study of faculty attitudes about the use of technology in the college classroom using electronic focus group sessions. This paper examines the electronic focus group data collection procedure. The electronic sessions were conducted in a decision-support center on campus with 13…

This article describes the multiple benefits of using Internet, the world's largest computer network, in health education and provides information for beginners on how to get started online. The article describes a day in the life of an Internet user, presents additional resources, and provides online addresses. (Author/SM)

Provides small companies with limited resources some suggestions for undertaking a hypertext project. Describes how to create various forms of online documentation systems. (HB)

Based on the premise that computer networks are changing the way people think and interact, this Digest discusses some features of electronic discourse as a relatively new form of discourse and examines the current research on computer mediated communication text. The Digest suggests further research on how other features of electronic discourse…

Faced with an increasing need for data by the West Liberty State College administration and the West Virginia Board of Regents, an in-house system was designed that provides online update/inquiry to an integrated, nonredundant collection of data files via user-friendly menus. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the development of campus networking and networked courseware at the University of Oregon, focusing on the possibilities and limitations of interactive courseware. Preliminary evaluations indicate that Internet-based courseware seems to better engage motivated students and allows for the development of a dynamic core-course curriculum,…

Outlines a first-day lesson plan for a first-year writing class in which the instructor engages students at the outset in building an electronic online community. Provides step-by-step methods and discusses specific advice for what to do and not to do within the context of achieving an online emphasis. (HB)