Contains articles which review communications software. Includes "Crosstalk Mark 4,""ProComm,""Freeway Advanced,""Windows InTalk,""Relay Silver," and "Smartcom III." Compares in terms of text proprietary, MCI upload, Test ASCII, Spreadsheet Proprietary, Text XMODEM, Spreadsheet XMODEM, MCI Download, Documentation, Support and Service, ease of use,…

Lists general purpose communication programs for personal computers along with manufacturers' names and addresses, key data on each product, and comments. Includes memory requirements, price, BAUD rates, terminals, and protocols. Sixty-four manufacturers are listed. (CW)

Examined are large curriculum software packages that currently dominate school networks. Indicates ways that networks could serve schools. Discusses different Integrated Learning Systems (ILS), evaluates their use and proposes future uses of these networks. (CW)

Presented is information about the National Science Teachers Association computer bulletin board, Science Line. Described are the features of the service and how teachers may gain access. (CW)

Discussed is a computer network which allows communications on science issues and activities between elementary schools around the United States. Described are the introductory kit, examples of use, and secondary school applications. A contact address is included. (CW)

Details a rationale for teacher shared information. Outlines possible content to include in such a network. Describes advantages and implications a database might have for teachers. (RT)

Describes uses and applications for computer networks that link K-12 schools with universities, utilizing the prototypical network in Indiana named the Student and Teachers Electronic Productivity System (STEPS). The project called the Electronic School District has used STEPS since 1987 to investigate the benefits of a widespread and innovative…

Discusses the problems inhibiting the path toward a nationwide computer network for research and education. Explains the need and urgency for establishing such a system. (RT)

Formerly reserved for use by scientists, researchers, and computer buffs, computer networks now have capabilities that make them extremely useful to science teachers and their classes. This digest is designed to provide educators with some basic background on computer communications and to provide a few examples of computer networks that are…

Presented is the background, history, and development of the National Science Foundation's national computer network NSFNET. The growth of the system and the development of new features of the system including high speed communications are discussed. Examples of current uses are provided. (CW)

Presents a vision of the impact of the National Public Network and offers seven recommendations for its evolution and implementation. (MDH)

Discussed are several types of telecommunications options available to educators. Included are satellite teleconferences, telephone teleconferences, video telecommunications, computer-based educational telecommunications, and FAX. A basic protocol used with students for teleconferences is presented. (CW)

Teacher isolation is a significant problem in the science teaching profession. Traditional inservice solutions are often plagued by logistical difficulties or occur too infrequently to build ongoing teacher networks. Educational Technology Center (ETC) researchers reasoned that computer-based conferencing might promote collegial exchange among…