A new library and cultural center in Croyden (England) is described. Function-based areas include library, administration, technical services, museum and galleries, museum offices and store, cinema, tourist information center, and local government offices. Information technology systems include the library management system, office automation, and…

Discusses the importance of developing a national communications and information infrastructure to meet short-term needs. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Open Platform Proposal, based on ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is described, and recommendations for public policy criteria for evaluating infrastructure proposals are included.…

Describes the development of strategies and software to help people work collaboratively while at a distance from one another. The importance of collaborative activities, the shared spaces concept behind groupware, examples of software that support synchronous and asynchronous group activities, and design issues for educational groupware are…

Discusses the availability of satellite and cable programing to provide distance education opportunities in school districts. Various delivery systems are described, including telephones with speakers, personal computers, and satellite dishes; and a sidebar provides a directory of distance learning opportunities, including telecommunications…

Discussion of electronic mail and computer-mediated communication focuses on local bulletin board systems (BBSs) that run on microcomputers. Uses in education and businesses are described, computer requirements and costs are outlined, bulletin board software is discussed, and echo networking is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

Discussion of how scholars work and how they use information focuses on a case study of the use of new electronic resources by humanist scholars. Interviews with humanists at the University of Pennsylvania about their experiences with the RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network) database are discussed, including content, connectivity, user…

Traces the development of national computer networks and discusses the need for the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Topics discussed include ARAPNET, Internet, BITNET, NSFNET, the role of the government, legislative status, the Coalition for Networked Information, policy issues, technological requirements, and libraries and NREN.…

Examines different ways in which a range of computer-mediated communication tools can be used in similar classroom settings. Argues that curriculum design for writing classes is inextricably tied to how computer communications will be used in the class. Presents results of a semester-long study of two first-year writing classes using computers.…

Considers possible influences of technology on children and children's literature. Topics discussed include the Internet; multimedia picture books; storytelling; and the personal relationship involved when children and adults are reading together that may not be replicated with technology. (LRW)

Examines how one teacher combined jump rope jingles and computerized telecommunications to create a cross-cultural curriculum, having students use electronic mail to collect data from and play games with other students nationwide. The article also describes technology tools to link students with an international community of learners. (SM)

Discusses the commonly accepted human right to information, access to information in highly computerized societies, and protection of the interests of users of information. Considers the potential for morally doubtful or illegal activities that is created by easy access to computer networks and information services. Technical,…

This article, in a series on computer technology and distance education, focuses on "Type II Technology," courses using textbooks and course guides for primary delivery, but enhancing them with computer conferencing as the main vehicle of instructional communication. Discusses technology proficiency, maximizing learning in conferencing…

Presents insights of what does and doesn't work in school library local area network (LAN) printing in terms of five "myths": (1) "You need a network to share a printer;" (2) "Printing is much faster on a network;" (3) "All printers are created equal;" (4) "If one is good, two are better;" (5) "I'll never learn." (AEF)

Describes the creation of the California Digital Library (CDL) by the University of California (UC), as well as planning for the Science, Technology and Industry Collection. The initial focus of the CDL is to provide students and faculty with access to digital information, relieve pressures on print collections, and develop mechanisms to foster…

Discusses results of a survey of 112 network and telecom managers--members of the Communications Managers Association (CMA)--to identify problems relating to the operation of large enterprise networks. Results are presented in a table under categories of: respondent profile; network management systems; carrier management; enterprise management;…