WQ is a Web-based system that reflects some of the ideas found in WebQuests. This paper analyzes the characteristics that make the WebQuests so popular and determines which of their components give them the greatest educational value. The WQ system, which the authors have implemented, presents sites to be browsed and searched. It allows students…

Describes areas where faculty members can aid students in making intelligent use of the Web in their research. Differentiates between subject directories and search engines. Describes an engine's three components: spider, index, and search engine. Outlines two misconceptions: that Yahoo! is a search engine and that search engines contain all the…

This paper discusses Australia's two packet-switching networks, AUSTPAC and MIDAS, which are used for data transmissions with other computers located within Australia or between overseas destinations. Although the facilities of both are similar, a comparison of their services based on traffic volume, connection, registration, and rental charges is…

Details the impact of online databases, PROQUEST in particular, on composition students' research. Indicates a need for more instruction that addresses new literacies emerging from the current transitional age of electronic and print cultures. Presents new evaluative methods for online documents that utilize knowledge of online genres, information…

Interactive visualization is a powerful educational tool. It has been used to enhance the teaching of various subjects from computer science to chemistry to engineering. In computer science education, this powerful tool is used almost exclusively in programming and data structure courses. This paper suggests that visualization could be very…

This manual is designed to help adult educators to understand and use the Internet in teaching adult students. The manual examines what the Internet is, how one can connect to it, and how it can be used. It also describes ways to communicate on the Internet, identifies sites where information can be accessed, and explains how search tools are…

This volume contains 52 of the 70 papers that were reviewed and selected for presentation at the 1998 National Online Meeting. While the balance of the papers are not included in this Proceedings, their titles, together with author names and author affiliations, are listed at the end of the volume and they are included in the index. The volume…

Discusses the advantages of conducting online computer searches of "Chemical Abstracts." Introduces the logical sequences involved in searching an online database. Explains Boolean logic, proximity operators, truncation, searchable fields, and command language, as they relate to the use of online searches in undergraduate chemistry…

This basic introduction to three types of computer communications that school libraries can use describes bulletin board systems, information utilities, and bibliographic database systems. Examples are given of applications that would be useful for students and teachers. (EM)

An analysis of 79 K-12 Internet projects revealed seven common activities: pre-project activities; gathering information; sharing and communicating; data integration; constructing products; evaluating products; and demonstrating/teaching. Discussion includes learning models scaffolded and project difficulties/successes. (AEF)

Discusses a variety of ways that teachers at all levels are using databases in their classrooms, how students respond to working with databases, the relationship of databases to inquiry learning, and how databases can be integrated into the curriculum. (RS)

This Proceedings contains 51 of the 68 papers reviewed and selected by the Organizing/Reviewing Committee for presentation at the National Online Meeting, 2000. The volume begins with the introductory presentation of the Program Chairman, Martha E. Williams, "Highlights of the Online Database Industry and the Internet 2000." The balance of the…

A survey of computer hardware and software access, network familiarity, and systems use was conducted to determine the optimum placement of two newly developed electronic Interlibrary Loan (ILL) forms at the Ohio State University Health Sciences Library. A sample of 205 ILL users were mailed a questionnaire, with a resultant 72% (n=148) response…

Technological literacy--computer skills and the ability to use computers and other technology to improve learning, productivity, and performance--has become as fundamental to a person's ability to navigate through society as traditional skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic. The Technology Literacy Challenge, envisioning a 21st century…

Central Queensland University in Australia has developed an orientation program to introduce first-year university students to interactive teaching technologies. The program, called Passport to Flexible Learning, was organized in the form of workshops that run concurrently over a 5-day period during the university's orientation week. During the…