The 1990s will usher in increasingly sophisticated interactive multimedia technologies leading to widespread employment of virtual reality. The arts (visual, music, drama, dance, and creative writing) are intimately involved with instructional technology's future. The arts provide both adult (commercial) creators and contributors to the programs…

Explains how teachers and students, using a computer and modem, can tap into computer networks to enhance writing experiences. Reviews the experience of one teacher and her students on three different networks: (1) America Online; (2) WorldClassroom; and (3) the Internet. (TB)

Described is a pilot program designed to develop communication links between local science classrooms. The effects of the use of Sci-Link will be investigated. The proposed Sci-Link projects are described including stream acidity, raindrop size, rocket payloads, gypsy moth populations, and home energy use. (KR)

Explains how high school students may learn to use the Internet as a resource for writing research papers, and considers some of the special problems and dangers the new medium poses. Reviews basic hardware information and procedures for getting started on the Internet. (TB)

An innovative program in Montreal (Quebec) that equips high school students with networked laptop computers aims to increase the ability of students to update their information, solve problems, self-evaluate, cooperate, and progressively take ownership of their learning. It is a collaborative approach that should serve them well throughout their…

Describes how BreadNet (a national computer network of English teachers) has come to dominate the routine of a high school class. Notes that BreadNet gives students new motivation to write, inquire, and learn. Describes classroom electronic writing exchanges and an electronic writers' workshop which posted essays on BreadNet. (RS)

Describes an experiment in network collaboration using the Geometer's Sketchpad to allow students in a computer laboratory to view one another's work. (MKR)

Explains how a teacher went about using hypermedia as a basis for inspiring student writing and research, first in the area of personality profiles and later in the area of different cultures. Defines hypermedia and reviews some of the rewards and problems. Argues that hypermedia can provide a format to encourage students to develop a literacy of…

Asynchronous computer-based conferencing offers several unique capabilities as a medium. Participants can read and write messages at whatever time is convenient for them, groups can interact even though participants are geographically separated, and messages are available to readers almost instantly. Because the medium has served for over a decade…

The goal of the Educational Technology Center (ETC) Computer-based Conferencing Project has been to explore the potential of computer-mediated communication to support teachers in collegial exchange about their subject and practice, and to develop recommendations for future applications and management of such conferences. The purposes of this…

Scotch College (Adelaide, Australia) has networked 90% of its classrooms. This article describes the campus computer network and its hardware and configuration; World Wide Web problems and solution; a "mini Internet" of curriculum-specific materials gathered from the Web; student and faculty use; student and staff training; security;…

Discusses the planning and installation of a high school local area network. Highlights include suggestions for: defining goals, applying for funding, coordinating installation, teacher training, developing district technology plans, plans for growth, choosing locations, maintenance plans, system security, system backup, and use studies. (JKP)

This paper describes the struggles of one professional development project as it attempted to use networking technology to promote ongoing reflection and community building among its participating teachers. It employs Riel and Levin's (1990) framework for participant structures in computer networking environments to consider the strengths and…

Presented are students perceptions of CMC, a computer system using PLATO to set up a communications link between students in high school. A close-up of the CMC community, perceived CMC characteristics, comparisons of CMC with other media, and CMC's impact on the school environment are described. (MDH)

Presents an evaluation of SIRNET (Schools in a Regional Network), a project on the use of computer networks in education carried out in five secondary schools in Norway. Highlights include satisfaction with the learning environment; cooperation and help-seeking; basic conditions for a distributed model; and criteria for quality in connecting…