Blacks are nearly absent from the ownership of capital in the information society and are far less likely to be equipped to participate in the use and manipulation of information. The black-white technology gap begins early in life and continues through the school years. (SLD)

This issue of "The Electronic School" features a special forum on computer networking. Articles specifically focus on network operating systems, cabling requirements, and network architecture. Tom Wall argues that virtual reality is not yet ready for classroom use. B.J. Novitsky profiles two high schools experimenting with CD-ROM…

Presents selection and design considerations to help libraries make informed decisions about hardware configurations of CD-ROM systems. Highlights include CD-ROM configurations, including single drive workstations, daisychains, and jukeboxes; network configurations, including remote access; microcomputer features; CD-ROM drive selection; and…

Although middle and high schools are progressing in the use of computer technology, elementary schools seem to be lagging behind. Classroom teachers must learn to accommodate individual students' preferred learning styles and integrate computer technology into the classroom. This article describes a Montana elementary school's use of networked…

Many colleges and universities will soon adopt distributed systems for executive information and decision support. Distribution of shared information through computer networks will improve decision-making processes dramatically on campuses. Critical success factors include administrative support, favorable organizational climate, ease of use,…

Discusses efforts of the Committee on Computer Activities of the American Philological Association (APA) to develop the telecommunications potential for classical scholars. Outlines plans for the implementation of an on-line newsletter, journal, conference, communication system, and announcement network. (DB)

Presents a research agenda for examining learners' and teachers' conceptions of computers, language, and writing and their relations to one another. Claims that theories of computer usage are connected to notions of language and writing. Provides a theoretical foundation for proceeding with needed research. (HB)

Discusses the development of the National Research and Education Network (NREN), the emerging National Information Infrastructure, and their implications for libraries. Topics addressed include the growth of commercial accounts in the Internet; the role of government; national legislation; and the expanding role of telephone and cable television…

Brookline (Massachusetts) Public Schools has created a telecommunications network that encourages creative thinking, risk taking, thoughtful practice. Interested parties are advised to identify leadership team; rethink resources; identify potentially successful conference groups; learn to make deals; provide training and ongoing support; expect…

Presents an overview of projects aimed at identifying the impact and value of digital and networking technologies on the British Library's collection and services. Examines the way in which the issues of preparation, scanning, and storage have been dealt with, as well as general principles that can be drawn from these experiences. (AEF)

Argues that computer technology has decentered high school English teachers. Describes a private high school with full computer access for every student; addresses issues this raises in the English department; describes three cyber activities used in the author's American literature classroom; and discusses the advantages of this decentralization.…

Explores distance-education evolution and research concerning distance-learning formats. Outlines nine mechanisms (electronic-mail, discussion lists/limited conferencing, telnet, FTP/Gopher, WWW, SLIP/PPP, advanced conferencing software, proprietary software vs. open standards, virtual reality) of the Internet which provide for fundamental changes…

Shows how schools can help students navigate the Internet's complex, often disorganized information landscape and decide about important issues affecting their lives and times. Students must become "infotectives" adept at framing essential questions, planning a cyberspace voyage, collecting pertinent information, changing course, exploiting…

Continues a discussion of the three chief information stations in a videoconference class. Describes the instructor camera at information station #2, an intermediary station between the three stations, and the student camera at station #1, the information station for interactive student participation. (AEF)

Discussion of the use of wide area computer networks to facilitate community-building and educational reform in elementary-secondary education focuses on a project in Pittsburgh called Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh that is seeking to develop new environments for teaching and learning. Guidelines for other school districts are presented. (LRW)