Since electronic networking via microcomputers is fast becoming one of the most popular communications mediums of this decade, this manual is designed to help educators use personal computers as communication devices. The purpose of the document is to acquaint the reader with: (1) the many available communications options on electronic networks;…

Designed to promote the interchange of information and services among the people of the region, the Eastern Caribbean Center Telecommunications Project Network (ECCTP) utilizes a network of both audio and computer-linked nodes connected by telephone lines to deliver instruction to remote sites. This network has been used by ECCTP to conduct…

Vendors frequently compete to have their technology adopted as part of a voluntary consensus standard, and this paper reports the results of an empirical study of the factors that influence the choice of technologies by voluntary technical standards committees. Participation in standards committees is viewed as an aspect of the product development…

This report develops a model of a personal computer network for office use from the standpoint of the end user. A network designed for personal computers is differentiated from personal computers which must be attached to an existing communications system. Three types of the latter networks are discussed: (1) networks which connect personal…

Intended to teach instructors how to use the NovaNET computer system or the PLATO system to deliver instruction, this manual provides instructions for using both NovaNET, which supercedes PLATO, and the crouter software package, which is a general purpose tool for managing instruction on the NovaNET computer. This self-instructional manual is…

Describes one way of structuring an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) in light of developments in artificial intelligence. A specialized intelligent operating system (SIOS) is proposed for software for a network of microcomputers, and it is postulated that a general learning system must be used as a basic framework for the SIOS. (Author/LRW)

The original goal of an information center was to create an environment wherein end users could generate their own analyses and management reports from institutional data without the direct aid of information systems staff. It is suggested, however, that real productivity gains are not being achieved. (MLW)

Indicates that (1) computer-mediated communication systems, specifically public computer conferencing, can facilitate a moderate exchange of socioemotional content and (2) basic network roles do not generally differ in percentage of socioemotional content. Discusses some fundamental issues in analyzing content and networks in computer-mediated…

Neural network based intelligent tools, developed for the national security infrastructure, will soon be available for teachers. Neural network software establishes powerful intuitive connections among words, concepts, documents, and search queries. In the school setting, such a search tool could automatically index textbooks, cross-reference any…

This article is an annotated bibliography listing and describing 79 publications pertaining to Internet-based instruction. Articles focus on topics such as the following: new technologies for educators and trainers, distance teaching strategies, intranets, virtual classrooms, online college degrees, and electronic performance systems.…

The main purpose of this paper is to draw attention to assumptions that guide the instructional design process when implementing and organizing network-based learning environments in practice. In this case, the situated and socially shared cognition model and participation metaphor create the guiding paradigm for collaborative learning action,…

Learning networks are a proven way to deliver massively scalable blended learning solutions that have been successfully implemented in a variety of commercial situations. For learning challenges that involve educating hundreds of thousands of distributed learners across thousands of organizations, learning networks can enable the delivery of…

Describes benefits of the Austin Free-Net, part of the nationwide movement "community networks" to provide public access to computers to low-income communities. Presents examples of users and discusses Internet instruction and location of terminals. A sidebar highlights 10 community networks, with areas served and Web site addresses.…

More than 40 leading computer and telephony companies have united to lead the charge toward open standards and universal interoperability for Internet telephony products. The voice of IP Forum (VoIP) is working to define technical guidelines for two-party, real-time communications over IP networks, including provisions for compatibility with…

Discusses netiquette, or rules of etiquette when using computer networks, for online communications such as electronic mail and public online forums. Print and online sources for netiquette are given, and examples of poor communication are included. (LRW)