With respect to the design of cooperative systems, issues related to the fundamental communication channels, sociotechnical factors, and task characteristics associated with collaborative work situations are reviewed. Research strategies incorporating theory-motivated design, ethnographic methods, and controlled testing methods are discussed as a…

Argues that, in the long run, computers may have overstated their application while playing down their specialties. Describes four ways computers in education can limit choice--the physical, the medium, money, and the content--and notes the falsity of "interactivity" for describing computer-oriented programs. (AEF)

Uses qualitative survey data to find patterns and themes among librarians with regard to their attitudes toward the Internet and reference services, and related professional activities. Includes a selection of categorized survey responses, interpretation of the data by the author and suggestions for further research. (Contains 3 references.)…

With minimal staff and a small expenditure on software, Lane Memorial Library in Hampton, New Hampshire, created a publicly accessible index to its local newspapers on its Web site. Reference staff members perform the indexing during slow times at the desk using Filemaker Pro software and the indexing guidelines and thesaurus developed in-house.…

Describes the University of Michigan Digital Library Program, a collaborative enterprise that has built digital content and an information infrastructure for the campus community. Discusses initial planning; program goals and strategy; the information gateway; project-based program strategy; principles of digital library development; partnerships…

The organizational model of merged public health information resources at the University of Michigan stands as a viable example of collaborative operations under a unified management structure. It represents an attempt to reconceptualize the role of library services and computer services within an integrated model of cooperation that can offer…

Describes examples of use of technology in the implementation and documentation of long-term projects conducted as a part of the Reggio Emilia preschool curriculum. Considers use of digital camera, videotapes, and video prints; documentation of graphics with the computer scanner; use of computer software as a tool for representing ideas; and use…

This study implements a networked peer assessment system based on the use of a Vee heuristic. Students submit their homework via the underlying network, then assess each other's homework by offering suggestions through the network. Preliminary results revealed that the networked peer assessment model and Vee heuristic facilitated pre-service…

Introduces the Amazing Space program which is designed to enhance student mathematics, science, and technology skills using recent data and results from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Hubble Space Telescope mission. Explains the process of designing multi-media resources in a five-week summer workshop that partners…

While college libraries embrace new technologies to provide access to a broader range of information, they must also cope with high costs, both financial and legal. In the print medium, access and distribution are governed by copyright laws; in the electronic media, they are dependent on the technology available to the library and on terms of…

Explores ways in which information technologies could be applied to community development, community health, and public safety in low-income urban communities. A list of inner-city information technology options is provided that includes the applications, functions, usage sites, and requirements for each option. (GR)

Explores the utility of the intersection of genre theory and cognitive psychology in providing a meaningful framework for analysis and design purposes. Reports results of research into the elements of genre that influence users of digital documents and provides examples of the usefulness of this analysis in Web-based environments. (Author/AEF)

RITA (Reader's Interactive Teaching Assistant) is a computer-based literacy support system that assists, rather than replaces, the teacher in providing support tailored to each child's profile of reading attainments. This study evaluated the effectiveness of RITA in secondary school with 8 children having very seriously disadvantaged literacy…

Investigated how health educators currently used computers and how they expected to use them in the future. Surveys of practicing health educators at many types of sites indicated that important current abilities included Internet, word processing, and electronic presentation skills. Important future tasks and skills included developing computer…

Discusses pedagogical issues for intelligent agents to successfully serve as mentors for educational purposes. Examines broader issues about the nature or persona necessary for an intelligent agent as mentor, incorporating usability and human-computer interaction issues such as the anthropomorphic qualities of the agent and the social relationship…