Illustrates the possibilities of freely or inexpensively connecting a library to the Internet. Discusses the advertising-supported approach; local resources for free or budget Internet resources; public access catalogs; examples of free Web materials and of libraries that have achieved a low-budget Web presence; building an effective planning…

Presents options that travelers can use to keep in e-mail contact. Discusses equipment/access issues related to traveling with a laptop; Internet cafes; free e-mail services; accessing home mail via a Web page; and new options e-mail access for travelers. Includes Internet resources on Internet access providers. (AEF)

This brief paper considers the application of "universal design" principles to Web page design in order to increase accessibility for people with disabilities. Suggestions are based on the World Wide Web Consortium's accessibility initiative, which has proposed guidelines for all Web authors and federal government standards. Seven guidelines for…

Examines the pros and cons of providing access to the World Wide Web for library patrons as well as suggesting solutions to problems. Discusses the establishment of a library policy governing the use of the Web, as well as the importance of workshops and instructional materials on Web use in libraries. (Author/AEF)

Investigates differences between Whites and African Americans in the United States with respect to computer access and Web use, in order to examine whether observed race differences in access/use can be accounted for by differences in income and education, how access affects use, and when race matters in access. (AEF)

This paper addresses the issue of how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to commercial and other private sector Web sites. Beginning with a brief discussion of the role electronic communication plays in our lives, the paper then considers the placement of the ADA in the context of current technology and of computer usage in the…

Provides an overview of current activities in Web-based learning and development in Romania. Discusses promotion of online learning by various societies and institutions; the distance courses based on traditional procedures; problems of the current state of distance education, including shortage of teachers and network administration and poor and…

This position paper of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges examines the increasing use of technology in education and the fundamental, academic implications of this increase for the traditional understanding of academic freedom, privacy, copyright, and fair use. This is the third paper in a four-part series. The widespread use of…

The goals of this project were to describe the various on-line models and delivery formats that have emerged in Alberta and to identify common practices and current issues surrounding the provision of on-line or virtual schooling. A Steering Committee developed a conceptual framework for the study under the three main headings of…

Details seven ways adults can ensure children's safety on the Internet: become familiar with the Internet community; learn how the Internet works; identify quality sites; learn what sites to avoid; teach children basic rules for Internet safety; place computers in high traffic areas and monitor use; and respond thoughtfully if a child visits an…

Presents examples of the evaluation of media and technologies used at the FernUniversitat (Germany) for distance education. Topics include course evaluation; system or institutional evaluation; information and communication technologies; communication preferences and practice; computer access; multimedia via CD-ROMs and the Internet; video…

Discusses the seriousness of the digital divide-the discrepancy between technology-literate and -illiterate people-in rural areas in the United States. Reports that rural young, minority, and single-parent households lag behind the national average in both personal computer ownership and Internet access. Offers suggestions for ways rural community…

This report presents findings of a June 1998 survey of computing officials at 1,623 two- and four-year U.S. colleges and universities concerning the use of computer technology. The survey found that computing and information technology (IT) are now core components of the campus environment and classroom experience. However, key aspects of IT…

Examines Internet resources available for elementary school children and discusses why Internet access should be provided through school library media centers. Highlights include appropriate Web sites, a case study, equity of access, censorship, integrating Internet resources into the curriculum, Internet usage guidelines, and identification and…

Discusses "ubiquitous connectivity." Suggests that technology can help make community a global concept, but that the human element is necessary for the content and the context. Cites examples from the literature that deal with classroom connectivity; using technology once connected; and role of the school library in extending…