Explores the use of linear models and a combination of neural networks and linear classifiers to create a hybrid hierarchical mixture of experts (HME) model. Results confirm that using the hierarchical structure of the classification vocabulary improves categorization performance. (AEF)

Discusses the problems associated with schools allowing access to the Internet and describes the technologies currently available to address filtering issues. Presents a proposed solution for the Greek School Network, including the creation of acceptable use policies and selecting appropriate software. (Author/LRW)

Considers the effectiveness of information and information theory as tools in the war against terrorism following the September 11 attacks, as well as the legal and political authority for their covert use. Topics include understanding the elements of an information network; and using organizational theory to disrupt the target information…

Studied children's perceptions of their social networks, including the differentiations young children make between persons in their social networks and the functions they fulfill, the level of agreement between children and their parents, and the stability of the children's responses. Describes the use of a new instrument called the Support,…

Analysis of Linking Intergenerational Networks in Communities (LINC), a 5-year collaboration among a university, private agency, and state offices of aging and education, resulted in the following lessons for collaboration: (1) establish individual and collaborative roles and responsibilities; (2) develop effective communication strategy; (3) use…

Total costs were determined for five separate models of connecting schools to the National Information Infrastructure. The results indicated that hardware was a fraction of the overall cost, start-up costs increased at a faster rate than annual ongoing costs for more complex models, and costs were significantly reduced when aggregated at the…

Compared the community-based, peer social networks of 75 boys with developmental delays, 69 with communication disorders, and 66 without disabilities (ages 4-5). Results showed more limited peer social networks for both groups of children with disabilities based primarily on the frequency of contacts with peers and linkages established across…

A study explored ways for secondary teachers to nurture healthy relationships with 150 students without becoming surrogate parents or counselors. Results disclosed six effective strategies: creating one-to-one time, using appropriate self-disclosure, believing strongly in students' abilities, networking with family and friends, building a sense of…

Discusses intranets--the deployment and use of Internet technologies such as the World Wide Web, electronic mail, and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) on a closed network. Considers the "hype," benefits, standards, implementation, and problems of intranets, and concludes that while intranets can be beneficial,…

Describes the Greensboro (North Carolina) Public Library's "Community of Readers," a network of community representatives who provide strategic planning for literacy services and act as advocates for literacy students. Also highlights the "Literacy in Libraries Across America" project as well as 13 public libraries in four…

This special section contains dispatches from the school technology frontier and four feature articles. Lars Kongshem shows how a rural Virginia community connects citizens and schools. Donna Harrington-Lueker describes a North Carolina "virtual high school." Richard J. Coley summarizes a study on school technology effectiveness.…

Describes the context, format, and goals of the Professional Carers' Group, a professional network designed to support a centralized treatment project for young people who have sexually abused others. Ways that group-based work with potentially isolated local professionals may help a treatment program maintain a systemic perspective is discussed.…

As the focus shifts to learning in the workplace, emphasis is being placed on "infonuggets," chunking, or granularization: delivery of bits of training and information as needed on the job. Some delivery methods include electronic performance support systems, the Internet, and computer simulation. (SK)

Gratts Elementary School, a K-5 facility in central Los Angeles, California, was under construction when additional state funding became available for school districts building in urban environments. Some of these funds were used to add a computer network. (MLF)

Reports findings from a study that investigated how public libraries are using online community networks to facilitate the public's information-seeking and use in everyday situations. Highlights include barriers to using community information systems; the public's online information behavior, including social connectedness; the use of sense-making…