Discusses the proper planning and upgrading of telecommunications infrastructure in schools that can support state-of-the-art data, voice, and video applications. An example of one school's efforts at installing an integrated telecommunications system for its 17,500 students is highlighted. (GR)

Convergence of digital communications technology is changing the nature of relationships between postsecondary institutions, students, and private sector. The current predictable, ordered world of interinstitutional relationships is being replaced by one of perpetual change. Contemporary relationships can be modeled using central place theory, but…

Describes cable modem technology (i.e., an external device that facilitates high-speed access to the Internet via the same network configuration employed for cable television). Examples of cable field trials carried out in collaboration with educational user communities are presented, and cable technical capabilities, advantages, and constraints…

In universities, electronically delivered degree and certificate programs must meet three criteria: quality assurance, faculty security, and financial support that facilitates institutional competitiveness. The demand for higher education will shift substantially toward the global marketplace. (SK)

Describes the Early Career Support Program (STEP) which uses the Montana Educational Telecommunication Network (METNET) to connect early career teachers in Montana with mentors. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

New communication and information technology is transforming the structure and law governing information markets and the economic, social, cultural, and political patterns of societies. This article discusses the effects of information technology (telecommuting, job growth in rural areas, distance education) and the role of the European Commission…

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 has provisions covering telephone service, telecommunications equipment manufacturing, cable television, radio and television broadcasting, and the Internet and on-line computer services. Most critical for rural areas are universal service provisions that ensure reasonably priced services to all regions and…

Describes a pilot program in which grade-seven and grade-eight girls with varied academic histories and cultural backgrounds signed up for an after-school club where they learned to use the Internet to communicate with volunteer high school and adult mentors. Emphasizes the importance of mentoring to provide a personal bridge between middle school…

A National Science Foundation-funded project teams instructors from five Tennessee colleges, high school teachers/counselors, and telecommunications business representatives in faculty internships and curriculum development for a work-based curriculum for the telecommunications industry. (SK)

Considers problems that have arisen with the vast quantities of information available as a result of the popularity of computers. Topics include inequity; capitalism, commodification, and privatization; hacking, privacy, and fraud; censorship; monitoring and surveillance; cyberethics; and integrity in an age of electronic communication. (LRW)

Mindsurf Networks--a partnership involving a suburban Baltimore high school, Sylvan Ventures, and Aether Systems--provides a cutting-edge, reasonably priced, networked mobile computing platform for learning. Handheld computers help students solve problems and beam information to teachers and each other. Partnership initiation strategies for…

Describes a study that explored college students' perceptions of computer-based technology in a variety of academic disciplines and their perceptions of the effects this technology had on their learning. Topics include students' general perceptions of technology and learning; technology use in lectures; communications technology; and gender…

Describes a survey of microcomputer use for adults with learning disability within The Home Farm Trust, a United Kingdom national organization for people with learning disability that was carried out in light of a planned organization-wide initiative to introduce modern information and communications technology to service users. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in homes and its impact on teachers in schools, based partly on case studies of British secondary schools. Topics include home learning environments; the National Curriculum for England and Wales; and initial teacher training curriculum for ICT. (LRW)

Addresses the use of the Internet for telecollaboration, or communicating and working with others in different locations, in the elementary social studies classroom. Focuses on a set of activity structures to help teachers design curriculum-based, telecollaborative activities. Provides examples of telecollaborative activities. (CMK)