The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down parts of the Communications Decency Act as violating the First Amendment. The law was predicted to wreak havoc on the Internet and connected campus computer networks. The 1996 law was aimed at protecting children from pornography but threatened the availability of a wide range of materials,…

Describes the development of an instrument for measuring the attitudes toward computers and information technology of post-compulsory students ages 16-19 years in the United Kingdom. Highlights include a theoretical model; reliability and validity; internal consistency; test-retest reliability; and criterion validity. A copy of the Computer…

In Canada, public access to federal government information is ruled by the Access to Information Act. This article explores loopholes in the Act, issues of data format and "tradeable" data (government information with substantial value), that could cause a conflict between its intent and effect. Tradeable data is troublesome because of…

Considers how civil law might treat claims of defamation arising from computer newsgroup postings. Concludes that newsgroup postings will probably be treated as a hybrid of print and broadcast media, and that newsgroup users will vigorously and aggressively protect freedoms of speech and press. While traditional defenses to defamation charges will…

This article explores some of the key issues associated with the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in the classroom. To illustrate ICT integration, a teaching project on dinosaurs, which has been developed with students ages 10-11, is presented. A detailed scheme of work and lesson plans is included. (Contains 4 references.)…

Describes the development of online courses at Penn State's World Campus, a virtual university that employs information technology to deliver academic programs to adult learners worldwide. Discusses the team development process, including instructional designers and faculty; communication; evaluation; and faculty opinions. (LRW)

Explains that as globalization expands the forces of the market, information technologies are pervading the educational arena. States that one instance, the Knowledge Management System (KMS), proposes to produce retrievable materials via the Internet and hypertext and seeks to provide highly selected and targeted knowledge. Includes references.…

Explores information architecture curricula at North American universities based on an analysis of 40 course descriptions available on the Web. Academic disciplines related to IA education include library and information science, information technology, business administration, literature, arts, and design as well as continuing education programs.…

Discusses the online learning situation within the context of Massey University (New Zealand). Highlights some of the information technology-based research developments and projects embarked upon by the University, and discusses how online learning environments are gradually adopted by students and faculty. (AEF)

Multicasting is a necessity for a broadband metro-area-network; however security problems exist with current multicast protocols. A stateful multicast access control mechanism, based on MAPE, is proposed. The architecture of MAPE is discussed, as well as the states maintained and messages exchanged. The scheme is flexible and scalable. (Author/AEF)

Provides results of a longitudinal study tracking research behavior of a multi-college undergraduate course in microeconomics from 1996 to 2001. Student term paper bibliographies grew between 1996 and 2000 but included fewer scholarly resources. In 2001, students tended to cite scholarly sources when the professor provided clear and enforceable…

Libraries are affected by discontinuous change caused by the type and rapidity of technological innovations. By examining the theories of structuration, diffusion of innovation, and contingency, change in libraries can be better understood, thus easing its adoption and assimilation. There is a need to reconceptualize libraries. (Author)

Analyzes the data collected in 10 elementary and secondary schools in Israel which have incorporated ICT (information and communication technology) in unique ways and have succeeded in devising innovative classroom pedagogies and changes in teachers' and students' roles and outcomes. Identifies correlation patterns among levels of innovation and…

Interviews with 26 Greek companies involved in electronic activity revealed few major differences in recruiting information/communications technology (ICT) specialists and extensive use of outsourcing, especially by small firms. Those with recruiting difficulties thought ICT education was inadequate. Informal learning was important, but lack of…

Discusses results from a study in the United Kingdom of secondary school student teachers and their use of ICT (information and communications technology). Considers difficulties with access to computers; lack of active support and role models among serving teachers, including teacher-mentors; and competing demands on student teachers' time.…