Summarizes the contents of the 54 articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The articles define the freedoms and rights of children and prescribe standards for their protection and nurturing. (DM)

Discussion of the right to privacy of communications focuses on privacy expectations within a National Research and Education Network (NREN). Highlights include privacy needs in scientific and education communications; academic and research networks; network security and privacy concerns; protection strategies; and consequences of privacy…

Argues students have misconceptions about whether they may see letters of recommendation if they do not value their right of access. Reports students incorrectly believe they may view letters of recommendation if they are not accepted and that they can see the letter before it is sent. Recommends faculty who write letters of recommendation should…

Suggests classroom pen pals as a good Internet activity for elementary school students. Highlights include Web sites that host pen-pal information; visiting schools; Web sites; educational listservs; safety tips to discuss before sending e-mail; and suggested topics and activities. (LRW)

A complex case involving a disgruntled ex-employee's invasion of a college president's e-mail system resulted in a decision granting two plaintiffs' motions for summary judgment. This was the first recorded education-related collision on the electronic superhighway. Every educational institution should have a policy and procedure regarding what…

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for the communication with business management. Deals with a business problem revolving around issues of appropriate e-mail use and privacy. Includes five assignments. (SR)

Reviews the Family Privacy Protection Act of 1995 and its potential impact on research and evaluation involving minors. Although this legislation was not passed, the issues related to both active and passive parental consent for the participation of minors in research are very much alive. (SLD)

The United States has taken only piecemeal steps to ensure privacy of personal information. This article examines the U.S. relating to privacy and data protection. It defines privacy and discusses international agreements relating to privacy, federal data protection laws, and narrowly applicable laws. (AEF)

All students have privacy rights. Principals must understand the legal guarantees of confidentiality of records, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's intent and alignment with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act regarding disabled students' records, and disclosure of information in educational records, particularly to…

Presents a teaching unit from the Media Awareness Network Web site that introduces students (grades six through nine) to ways in which commercial Web sites collect personal information from children and issues surrounding children and privacy on the Internet. Highlights: objective; learning outcomes; preparation and materials; the lesson; guided…

The privacy aspect of e-mail is a touchy subject. "Erased" computer files can easily be restored with simple software. Some public agencies are required to retain backup files on computer data and information. E-mail might also be subject to freedom-of-information access, depending how a "record" or "document" is defined. Also, e-mail exchanges…

In its "stare decisis" ruling upholding a Pennsylvania school district's random drug-testing policy, a three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals nonetheless declared its disagreement with a similar panel's 1998 decision upholding another district's policy of random, suspicionless drug, alcohol, and tobacco testing. (MLH)

Reviews ways educational research has most commonly involved the Internet. Discusses issues that complicate educational research conducted in computer-enhanced instructional environments, focusing on privacy, ownership, and permissions. Offers a case study at an online writing center, and provides guidelines for technical communication researchers…

Consideration of metaphors related to the Internet focuses on the information superhighway, virtual communities, and digital libraries. Highlights include the Digital Millenium Copyright Act of 1998; the Uniform Commercial Code; equality; privacy; communication; authorship; open software; information management; user fees; library collections; and…

Includes two articles: one discusses Federal legislation and regulations affecting libraries in 2000, including database protection, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, funding, Internet filtering, and e-rate; and the second discusses legislation and regulations affecting publishing, including copyright, foreign sales corporation tax, children's…