Electronic tools, both local applications and networked resources, allow acquisitions librarians and staff to conduct business with unprecedented efficiency. This article describes digital resources that improve workflow and save time and money in an age of shrinking budgets, highlighting e-mail, World Wide Web resources, home page development…

Shares teacher wisdom stories and advice about how to effectively use classroom computers for literacy instruction. Notes that student access to Internet-connected computers improved from 20 students per computer in 1998 to 5.6 students per computer in 2002. Discusses Internet use and software selection. (SG)

Discusses the problems associated with schools allowing access to the Internet and describes the technologies currently available to address filtering issues. Presents a proposed solution for the Greek School Network, including the creation of acceptable use policies and selecting appropriate software. (Author/LRW)

While technology has made plagiarism easier, it has also made it easier to detect. This article explains how librarians are getting involved in this battle, what can tip off a plagiarized hand, and the software that can turn suspicion into confirmation. A list of online sources of plagiarism guidelines is provided. (AEF)

Discusses qualitatively enhanced access to data collections, requiring a more meaningful interface which endows the users with personal agents that are adaptable to the users' individual retrieval preferences. Users are given recommendations derived from best practice in information search processes to perform successful retrieval activities via…

Explores technology planning possibilities via interviews with a district-level technology director, a state instructional technology director, and a state administrative technology director. Schools' biggest planning challenges are funding, professional development, and technology integration. The Web browser is becoming a "universal…

Describes a project that offered customized training in Internet access and networking to enable participants to implement specific technology-related projects in their communities. Highlights include intergenerational partnerships, hardware and software, laptop computers used as file servers, and a sidebar that describes some of the resulting…

Describes how filtering software programs work, types of filtering software, and common problems that emerge with use. An appendix provides information on Internet-filtering software products, including product name, company name, filter type, platforms supported, price range, Web site, and notes. (AEF)

Considers issues involving deregulation and freedom of speech on the Internet versus government regulation and licensing. Discusses a case in Texas that challenged a software program offering legal advice; and a federal regulatory agency's attempt to regulate the opinions and content of newsletters, Web site publishers, and related software. (LRW)

So far classroom use of the Internet has been limited to asynchronous communication, but virtual conferencing will allow real-time connections between teachers and classrooms separated by continents. This article describes virtual conferencing applications: Chat, audio- and videoconferencing, electronic white boards, application sharing, and file…

Describes activities and benefits of a series of summer technology workshops for librarians and teachers offered by the Houston Independent School District. Sidebars list software programs provided to workshop participants, basic steps of the "Big Six" skills, and Web site search tutorial. (AEF)

Notes the problem of Net-based plagiarism in student papers. Describes a solution that turns the tables by using the Internet: TurnItIn.com, an Internet scanner that annotates/marks unattributed material in student papers and compiles a report for the teacher overnight. (SR)

Discusses issues related to Internet access in Head Start classrooms. Advocates development of an Internet Acceptable Use Policy for the classroom. Discusses the use of Internet filtering software and child-safe search engines for the classroom and at home. (KB)

Consideration of metaphors related to the Internet focuses on the information superhighway, virtual communities, and digital libraries. Highlights include the Digital Millenium Copyright Act of 1998; the Uniform Commercial Code; equality; privacy; communication; authorship; open software; information management; user fees; library collections; and…

Discusses whether schools should somehow filter the information available to students via the Internet. Highlights include censorship versus an individual's right to information; fear for children's safety as motivation; filtering legislation; deciding what to block; rating Internet sites; filtering options for schools; and recommendations. (LRW)