Western Carolina University (W.C.U.) MicroNet is designed to improve mathematics and science teaching by forming a support network for teachers. Describes: (1) the W. C. U. MicroNet system; (2) advantages of the network for students, teachers, and the university; (3) successes and problems; and (4) future endeavors. (JN)

Reviews the nature of computer networks and previews their development by focusing on ways they are useful to scientists and to science, including applications for remote computer access, electronic mail, bulletin boards, teleconferencing, file transfer, resource sharing, and imbedding nontextual communications. (JN)

Described is a project SIINC (Scientific Instrumentation Information Network and Curriculum), a three year pilot program to test the feasibility of developing a computer-based system for accessing information vital to users of chemical instrumentation. Project SIINC fills the gap between conventional sources of instrumental information and…

Discusses efforts to provide new services that publish information more rapidly, provide faster/easier access to information already published, and package information in forms that are used more easily and efficiently. Considers primary information, electronic publishing (including benefits/problems), secondary (indexing/abstracting) information…

Presented is a case study of several scientific communities which used a computerized conferencing system (Electronic Information Exchange System--EIES) for a period of two years to enhance their communications and carry out cooperative tasks. Though it focuses on one particular system, it was designed to yield some data that make possible direct…

A discussion of academic advising provides general advice for faculty advisors and looks at distinctive elements in academic advising for technical subjects, particularly those encountered with transfer students who have technical credits to transfer. Use of computer-based information systems in this context is also examined briefly. (Author/MSE)

Stresses providing reliable, factual information directly to users. Describes classes of data, the need for good data, quality control of databases, the electronic revolution in data dissemination, systematic cooperation to reduce costs of developing online services and of creating data bases, and trends in data dissemination. (JN)