Discusses the availability of virtual communities on the Internet. Stresses that there are online environments for nearly everyone, and offers advice for those designing new communities by relating experiences from the development of the specialized MediaMOO, a multiuser dungeon. Discusses restricting access, shaping development of the community,…

This special issue contains 12 articles written by science fiction authors and futurists who present imaginative visions of communication technologies that impact on daily life. Topics address redefinition of the library, legal aspects of regulation and censorship of the Internet, and various ideological and intellectual ideas about technology…

Provides a brief history of the Internet, highlighting its academic roots, and describes a survey conducted to determine how and why academics use the Internet. Information gathered, presented in seven tables, shows frequency of use; types of resources accessed; levels of computer experience; use of nagivational aids; and reaction to the survey.…

Four conference presenters involved in consumer online services present information on new products both under development and in the process of implementation, commenting on technological, content, distribution, and consumer service issues. Products and companies discussed are eWorld (Apple Computer Europe); Olivetti Telemedia; CompuServe; and…

Six different types of interpersonal exchanges, or educational telecomputing activities that incorporate the use of interpersonal skills are presented: (1) "keypals"; (2) global classrooms; (3) electronic "appearances"; (4) electronic monitoring; (5) question-and-answer services; and (6) impersonations. From this presentation,…

This case study offers insights into the process, pitfalls, and advantages of utilizing an Internet electronic discussion list to form a communication community in an undergraduate course that discussed gender differences. Results of an online evaluation are discussed and the use of electronic communication is considered. (Author/LRW)

Two studies investigated ways in which computer and video technology can support expert human coaches in order to reduce instructor time and increase learner-centered environments; the goal was to train undergraduate students to facilitate others' interpersonal problem solving. Results indicate that the technology-supported methods can decrease…

Discusses the ethical use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and the lack of integration of information ethics into elementary, secondary, and higher education curricula. The development of information ethics instruction is proposed which would include such topics as intellectual property, destruction of digital property, confidentiality and…

Explores obstacles to Internet usage, presents what is known about them, and considers strategies for avoiding or ameliorating their effects. Obstacles discussed include unrealistic expectations; lack of understanding of the effects of organizational culture on networking; lack of awareness of social effects of networking technologies; and lack of…

Assesses distance learners' reactions to STILE (Students' and Teachers' Integrated Learning Environment), a project which used computer-mediated communication in the United Kingdom and Europe. Findings in four areas are discussed: (1) availability to collaborate; (2) interest in exercises for groupwork; (3) collaboration on extra material; and (4)…

Introducing students and teachers to the social structure of scientific communication as part of a hands-on, minds-on approach can increase students' knowledge and interest in the sciences. Describes SAM-Net which incorporates scientific communication, electronic networking, and scientific research as practiced by scientists into a K-12 science…

Information technology is integrated into biology courses through various mechanisms. Electronic mail distribution lists are used to answer student questions outside of class. The World Wide Web is used for posting interactive course syllabi and student-generated data. Most students surveyed indicated that integrating the Internet and the Web into…

Writing is an important part of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learning, though it is the least used of four language learning skills. It must be brought back to ESL classrooms to prepare students for the real world. Communication through computers will be an important skill for the future, with English an international language for computer…

Describes a course developed at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia) that used problem-based learning within a computer-supported collaborative environment to give undergraduate nursing students practice in developing decision-making skills. The use of computer-mediated communication is also discussed. (LRW)

Finds significant relationships between computer anxiety and computer/word processing, between computer anxiety and computer electronic discussion group, and between computer anxiety and online computer service among 130 students from a variety of undergraduate rhetoric classes at a large midwestern university. Finds also significant differences…