Distance learning networks make training and advanced education possible when time and budgetary constraints make face-to-face training difficult. To make distance learning work, instructors and providers must harness the potential of synchronous and asynchronous communication technologies to create powerful, learner-centered networks. Support…

Analyzes whether push technology is a threat or opportunity for online searchers. Outlines key functions of push technology products and defines key technology terms. Illustrates how the role of the online searcher changes with push technology. (AEF)

An Iowa school district has retooled its computer systems for more standardized administration. In addition to administration, the district is doing inhouse databasing of financial accounting, and doing inhouse scheduling and grade reporting. A partnership with the Chamber of Commerce contributed $500,000 for the network system. (MLF)

Two experts, Crawford Kilian and Clifford Stoll, disagree about the Internet's proper role in education. Kilian believes teachers must steer students through information "white water" to utilize the net more productively. Stoll thinks Internet will do little to resolve kids' reading deficiencies, restore music and art programs, or…

Reports the results of a survey undertaken to identify language documentation centers at Canadian universities, to describe their chief characteristics and functions, and to assess the feasibility of linking several of them electronically to provide greater access to users throughout the country and internationally. (four references) (Author)

Describes the use of computers for grading assignments in beginning and intermediate reporting and writing programs at Texas A&M University. Indicates that students store assignments on a computer network, where the instructor can access them to grade them. Describes techniques for making electronic corrections clear and provides sample…

Describes the IMPEL (Impact on People of Electronic Libraries) project that investigated the social, organizational, and cultural impacts of the increasingly electronic environment experienced in academic library and information services in the United Kingdom. Topics include librarians' perceptions of their role and future role; subject…

Leaders at Voorhees College (South Carolina), a small historically black institution with limited finances, have used ingenuity and hard work to develop a campus computer system. Despite lack of faculty and staff sophistication in computer use, the college is gradually improving computer resources and faculty computing skills, and enterprising…

Provides details of a study that examined interactions and questioning patterns in the electronic communication exchanges of students (N=21) enrolled in a course designed to provide direction in using an electronic network as an instructional medium. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Discussion of technology planning in schools focuses on the total cost of ownership, a model from business that can be helpful in determining the real costs of educational technology. Highlights include learning resources; organizational impacts and management; computer network resources, including software; research and development; and spirit…

Virginia's Public Education Network (PEN) was one of the first statewide public school Internet systems. PEN began as a regional pilot that led to the establishment of a regional prototype, Teacher-LINK. Teacher-LINK in turn became the basis for the statewide K-12 Internet system. Topics include PEN's educational content, Internet services, and…

This report analyzes data gathered from 29 automated library system vendors who responded to a 1996 survey. The survey also requested their perceptions of Java (an object-oriented programming language) and network computers, and issues and trends to be considered by library administrators. Contact information about the vendors is provided. (Four…

Explores the role of computer technology in facilitating communication and problem solving among teachers within a school. Describes "Instruction CoPlanner," a software network package which takes a team of educators through a systematic process of planning, decision making, implementation, and evaluation. (DB)

Discussion of changes in classrooms as a result of communication networks focuses on teachers' roles in future educational settings. Topics include teachers as information consultants, as team collaborators, as facilitators, as course developers, and as academic advisors; and the computer and communication skills needed by teachers. (LRW)

This study analyzed how students and teachers of one Finnish elementary class participated in and communicated through the Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE) during 1997-1998. The density of the interaction within class, students' participation rates, students' position in the CSILE mediated network of interaction, and the…