Discusses the adoption of online instruction for distance education in the context of the Open University of Hong Kong. Academic and non-academic services that can be offered online are described. The importance and benefits of instituting electronic tutorials are addressed, including time savings, peer interactivity, and student/tutor…

Addresses the use of e-mail for communication and collaborative projects in schools. Discusses the effectiveness of an e-mail system based on a UNIX host; problems with POP (post office protocol) client programs; and the new Internet Mail Access Protocol (IMAP) which addresses most of the shortcomings of the POP protocol while keeping advantages…

A user survey of 60 company Web sites (electronic commerce, entertainment and leisure, financial and banking services, information services, retailing and travel, and tourism) determined that 30% had facilities for conducting online transactions and only 7% charged for site access. Overall, Web sites were rated high in ease of access, content, and…

The methodological sensibility that will lead to the consideration of the new forms of cybersociality is advanced. Cybersociality refers to the new expressions of "being together," sharing emotions, and communicating in networked social environments. Social interactions in the wired city of Blacksburg, Virginia are analyzed and three groups of…

A report on the SuperJANET high-speed network included interviews conducted at Cambridge University (England) on the use of computers and audiovisual aids in university teaching and learning. Results indicated the emergence of two main uses of the technology: (1) as a means of communication between students and teachers, and (2) as a means of…

Explains the development of library networks in Florida and the role of the state library. Topics include regional multitype library consortia; a statewide bibliographic database; interlibrary loan; Internet access in public libraries; government information, including remote public access; automation projects; telecommunications; and free-nets.…

Describes a Newark-based social revitalization program that involves a telecommunications/computer linkage between a community development corporation, an elementary school, and a medical college. The author explains how information technologies are used by the residents of a Newark housing project to create a special sense of neighborliness. (GR)

First article in a new series about reflective communities in teacher education that refers to some of the many communities already developing online. Current definitions are presented, and resources on imitating and/or enriching existing online communities are listed. Changes in education and future projects are discussed. Includes a list of…

Investigates the impact of the Internet on formal scholarly communication via examining the adoption of electronic vehicles in several classic natural and social science fields. Concludes that the Internet has affected almost all activities in formal scholarly communication with a wider impact in the natural sciences in general than in the social…

This article first defines instructional technology and provides examples for early childhood special education in general, identifies current issues in higher education, and then identifies specific instructional designs, strategies, and media applications for persons involved in early childhood special education personnel preparation. (Contains…

Identifies reasons for using discussions as part of online courses. Outlines a framework for designing successful discussions; presents guidelines for facilitating discussions for maximum learning; and discusses evaluation of online discussions. Three figures list the four steps or components that are involved with each of these processes. (AEF)

Focuses on designing the right questions for promoting discussion in online adult learning environments. Discusses levels of questions; purposes of questions; tips for online questions; principles for designing an online discussion; preparing learners for discussions; and managing the discussion in process. (Contains 9 references.) (AEF)

Examines the uses of CMC in English-as-a-Second-Language teacher education through examples of Web-based bulletin board discussion. Qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed differences in the structure of participation from the perspective of initiation, response, and evaluation moves as well as different levels of participation by the…

Presents an application of the Cognitive Flexibility Theory (CFT) approach to creating hypertext for training undergraduate students through the interactive instructional program Auntie-EMM (Electronic Mail Mentor) in the use of e-mail embedding instruction within a specific context--the Wizard of Oz story. Demonstrates the effectiveness of the…

Focuses on a class at Utah State University on race and communication issues in the United States and the New South Africa, which included an "email pen pal" correspondence. Highlights include: setting the stage; analysis and results; race and communication issues; economic and social conditions in South Africa; white privilege; pride in…