Examines whether the Internet will be an equalizer or will increase social stratification, whether the Internet will be a boon to rural areas, and how it can be made more appealing or acceptable to rural areas. Discusses the "missionary movement" model of economic change and rural issues related to access to infrastructure, censorship,…

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down parts of the Communications Decency Act as violating the First Amendment. The law was predicted to wreak havoc on the Internet and connected campus computer networks. The 1996 law was aimed at protecting children from pornography but threatened the availability of a wide range of materials,…

Explains how Texas A&M University libraries developed a wireless network, including problems encountered, and describes three wireless services currently being delivered using Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, and wireless laptop computers. Topics include costs versus value; data security and access; wireless access points;…

Interviews with 26 Greek companies involved in electronic activity revealed few major differences in recruiting information/communications technology (ICT) specialists and extensive use of outsourcing, especially by small firms. Those with recruiting difficulties thought ICT education was inadequate. Informal learning was important, but lack of…

Reviews trends in the use of ICT (information and communication technology) in Japanese higher education institutions. Highlights include recent trends in national policy; educational policy; use of communications satellites; broadcasting; Internet use; videoconferencing; issues concerning virtual universities; and use of multimedia. (Author/LRW)

Describes the program Learning Circles on the AT&T Learning Network in which groups of six to eight classes from around the world cooperatively on a common theme designed to extend classroom learning and provide a purpose, audience, and motivation for research and writing. (MG)

Traces the evolution of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) from its genesis in 1978 and provides an overview of the various categories of standards, international standards organizations, the scope of standards, and the notations used to designate both the standards groups and the actual standards. (SD)

Discusses how various Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) application layer protocols can be used together, along with the Presentation and Session protocols, to support the interconnection requirements of applications. Application layer protocol standards that are currently available or under development are reviewed, and the File, Transfer,…

The edi conceptual model is being developed to define common structures, services, and processes that syntax-specific standards like X12 and EDIFACT could adopt. Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) is of interest to edi because of its potential to help enable global interoperability across Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) functional groups. A…

Describes the emergence of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) as it relates to the U.S. Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (GOSIP); defines GOSIP; and speculates about its future. Challenges facing GOSIP that are related to test policies and procedures, strategic and tactical planning, additional functionality, and international…

Defines telework as online or offline electronic work performed at home or in central offices, customer sites, and satellite centers. Examines the nature, extent, and impact of telework on working conditions, work organization and explores the legal status of teleworkers, changing attitudes of employers and trade unions, and government…

The convergence of technical communication devices and services is transforming the learning, administrative, and facility control functions in schools. A communication system's study procedure uses a multidimensional matrix to assist planners in analyzing communication's infrastructure needs and configuration. (MLF)

Discusses the current status and potential for automated library reference services in the areas of community information systems, online catalogs, remote online reference services, and telephone reference services. Several models of the reference procedure which might be used in developing expert systems are examined. (19 references) (CLB)

Considers ways in which telecommunications can ameliorate the staffing crises of small colleges. Describes West Virginia Northern Community College's efforts to serve remote instructional sites using an interactive telecommunications system. Reviews the college's problem, the design and installation of equipment, and selection and training of…

Discusses the inappropriate and inefficient uses of new technologies in education, recent trends creating a pressure for educational change, and barriers preventing such change. Provides specifications for a new technologically enhanced learning system allowing individualized instruction and evaluation, curriculum network development, and…