The use of distance courses in learning is growing exponentially. To better support faculty and students for teaching and learning, distance learning programs need to constantly innovate and optimize their IT infrastructures. The new IT paradigm called "cloud computing" has the potential to transform the way that IT resources are utilized and…

This work comprises studies on the effects of broadband Internet in schools at three different levels: student performance, household Internet adoption, and individual computer and Internet use patterns and skill acquisition. I focus in the case of Portugal, where by 2006 the Portuguese government had completed a major initiative that upgraded the…

The "cyberinfrastucture" is a broad informational network that entails connections to real-time data sensors as well as tools that permit visualization and other forms of analysis, and that facilitates access to vast scientific databases. This multifaceted network, already a major boon to scientific discovery, now shows exceptional promise in…

The concept of "publishing" has changed again, just in the last few years, due to YouTube, Blogger, Second Life, Flickr, and other new social networking tools (John Marshall Law School, 2005). Whether they are making it possible for everyone to view a video on YouTube on how to install a hard drive on a Mac, add a collaborative student writing…

This paper provides an overview on the current state of art in the field of Distance learning for mobile users. It mentions a large range of technologies, services and approaches that may be used to bring distance learning to mobile internet users. These technologies are supposed to considerably increase innovative e-learning solutions for the…

The use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units has exploded in recent years along with the computer technology to access this data-based information. Geo-caching is an exciting game using GPS that provides place-based information regarding the public lands, facilities and cultural heritage programs within the Virginia Parks and Museum system.…

This study involves "GrassRoots", a web-based program, designed to motivate schools to learn how to use an internet access point in the service of student growth. As consultant to the project, the author describes his task of participant recruiter, facilitator and data collector. Primarily, he examines what capacities or abilities the…

This teacher tells her story of venturing into technology-assisted learning and becoming a mentor for others. Highlights include project-based initiatives and professional development; the National Information Infrastructure and the Global Information Infrastructure; PowerUp and the Council of Regional Information Technology Associations(CRITA);…

Describes experiences using the World Wide Web (WWW) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Offers teaching tips, describes problems encountered, and considers possible changes in teaching. Notes that assignments with the WWW in courses in environmental and chemical engineering are popular, but the best ways of using the WWW for teaching are still…

The theme for this supplement is "Teaching the Teachers" and contains 10 articles. Among the topics are battling resistance to technology, ways teachers can use e-mail to extend students' learning, a board member's ventures into cyberspace, and school management software. (MLF)

The author's conceptualization of an Information Commons (IC) is revisited and elaborated in reaction to Bailey and Tierney's article. The IC's role as testbed for instructional support and knowledge discovery is explored, and progress on pertinent research is reviewed. Prospects for media-rich learning environments relate the IC to the…

Discusses the history, goals, and partnerships of the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID) created in October 1997 and the hiring of Doug Van Houweling as CEO. UCAID supports Internet2 (or Internet II) a collaborative effort between higher education and industry to facilitate and coordinate the development of advanced…

Discusses the origin of the Internet, its applications in education, and its current limitations. Describes Internet2 (I2), a national initiative by over 141 research universities to regain the Internet as a research and educational tool by leading the development of the next generation of network technology. Discusses the I2 mission; I2 members,…

In 1991 Mark Weiser introduced the idea of ubiquitous computing: a world in which computers and associated technologies become invisible, and thus indistinguishable from everyday life. This invisible computing is accomplished by means of "embodied virtuality," the process of drawing computers into the physical world. Weiser proposed that…

This book provides a general introduction to the skills and tools necessary to navigate the Internet and offers detailed information about the many historical resources available and how to find them. Chapter 1, "Getting Started," is short primer on using the Internet. Chapter 2, "Internet Sites for Historians," directs readers to thousands of…