Suggests that society is more likely in the midst of an information evolution, rather than a revolution. Uses new media technology and forecasting literatures as a framework to evaluate current technology developments and public discussion about the information highway. Compares the hopeful rhetoric that surrounds the information highway to…

States that, like anthropology 100 years ago, studying online environments is a relatively new endeavor today. Discusses elements of an online version of ethnography, including triangulation, ethics, reflexivity, and the importance of linking online environments to real-world contexts. Describes parallels among the three stages of development of…

When a special-education student in the Tucson (Arizona) Unified School District moves to a new address, that information is communicated quickly and efficiently to every office needing to know. School community members have discovered the value of a well-planned information-management system. Specifics about line speed, vendor reliability,…

Looks at the ways in which computer networks are changing health care and nursing education. Discusses the increasing importance of Internet-based education, widely distributed interactive multimedia learning, and information management skills. (SK)

Describes external sources of funding for public libraries to establish and maintain their technology infrastructure, telecommunications services, and network-based resources and services. Highlights include LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act); the E-rate program; and the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation U.S. Library Program. (LRW)

Describes how colleges are taking advantage of bargains on fiber-optic lines to build regional computer networks; some envision a national network for academe. (EV)

The effects of a technological change on organizational structure and power were investigated in a longitudinal study of the introduction and diffusion of a computerized information system. Employees, particularly early adopters of the technology, increased their power and network centrality following the technological change. Includes 67…

This reprint from "Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction" (Shneiderman) discusses the impact of computers on individuals and society. Highlights include individual opportunities for learning, entertainment, and cooperation through networking; problems with the use of computer systems; and the…

Stand-alone, single-user software programs for classroom use can be prohibitively expensive, compared to information-sharing network systems. Based on a Kansas district's experience, this article explains three types of networks (device-sharing, operating-system-based, and client-server-based) and discusses network protocols, software choices,…

Describes and defines the relationship between and capabilities of World Wide Web (WWW) and Mosaic, a software interface program. The uses of hypertext and hypermedia and possibilities for educational use of Mosaic are mentioned. A sidebar includes information on recommended material on the WWW and Mosaic. (JKP)

Notes that distance learning and computer networking can offer students in smaller or less well-financed schools more learning opportunities. (SR)

Identifies pathways to electronic resources on distance education, including the databases of the International Centre for Distance Learning, ERIC, and OCLC First Search; course offerings; gopher sites; and news, organizations, and discussion groups. (SK)

Examines types of publications available on the Internet, including informal publications, newspapers and magazines, self-published "'zines," electronic journals, preprint archives, and commercial references. Discusses related issues including navigation, commercialization, offline printing, and establishing a presence on the Internet…

Provides definitions for 71 terms related to the Internet, including Archie, bulletin board system, cyberspace, e-mail (electronic mail), file transfer protocol, gopher, hypertext, integrated services digital network, local area network, listserv, modem, packet switching, server, telnet, UNIX, WAIS (wide area information servers), and World Wide…

Discusses results of a study that examined preservice and inservice teachers' use of hand-held Computer-Based Observational Assessment Tools (CBOATs) in a distance education environment using the Iowa Communications Network. The CBOAT studied was Learner Profile, which included a small bar-code reader and data management software. (LRW)