Describes the AstraZeneca-Exeter Science through Telematics (AZEST) project and reports that the Internet has much potential as a communication channel for the provision and discussion of INSET materials for primary science in the UK. Evaluates websites dedicated to primary science at the local level, concept mapping for stimulating discussion,…

Describes the digital divide, the technology gap between the people who have technology (information haves) and those without technology (information have-nots). Discusses that the first digital divide is access to technology; and addresses the second digital divide, computer use, focusing on computers at school and at home. (CMK)

Discusses the importance of how the divide in access is approached and the problems in addressing both digital divides (access and computer use). Argues that sociologists of education have an important role to play in this issue and describes that role. Includes references. (CMK)

Responds to the article, "Blackboard's COURSEINFO: Supplementing In-Class Teaching with the Internet," by David M. Fahey. Focuses on the benefits and drawbacks to using this software to have a paperless course Includes an overall review of COURSEINFO. (CMK)

Describes a study that developed and field-tested the Classroom Community Scale, which measures the sense of community in a learning environment, and to determine its validity and reliability for use with university students taking distance courses via the Internet. Considers gender and ethnic groups, and a copy of the scale is appended.…

Explores how students who design Web sites and work with computer end users can be introduced to accessibility approaches and empowered to promote them in organizational contexts. Discusses Internet accessibility challenges to people with disabilities; legal issues; and the social context of technology and technological education. (Contains 70…

Data on rural-urban differences in access to telecommunications technology suggest that the U.S. "digital divide" is diminishing. However, major shortcomings in telecommunications infrastructure persist in rural America, and more serious barriers to rural development are related to human capital shortages. These may be resolved in some…

Uses Project Censored to open a dialog about important issues that have not received media attention, to reflect on the sociological reasons why we are not learning about these stories, and to develop strategies to address these issues. Students met these objectives by writing a report and giving an oral presentation. (DAJ)

Explains Webcasts and discusses how they can be used for teaching. Topics include Webcast technology; streaming audio and video; bandwidth capacity; locating Webcasts, including search engine strategies for the Internet; using Webcasts in the classroom; similarities with other multimedia materials; expectations for students and faculty; and future…

Presents findings of a research study on how women in information technology (IT) professions seek information on the Web as part of their daily work. Develops a behavioral model of Web information seeking that identifies four complementary modes of information seeking: undirected viewing, conditioned viewing, informal search, and formal search.…

Summarizes results of a survey of research skills instruction in United States undergraduate journalism programs under four broad headings: research skills instruction, library instruction, Internet instruction, and library orientation. Finds little consensus on the amount of instruction students should receive in library and database research.…

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…

Technology enthusiasts and politicians portray the Internet in unrealistic and misleading ways that inflate its suitability for school education. The Internet is not a library, "community," or panacea for difficult problems of teaching and learning. Determining the benefits and pitfalls for education requires extensive research and evaluation of…

The most important step in recruiting a school technology coordinator is the interview. Examines the candidate interview, concentrating on four areas: technical expertise, understanding technology use in instructional environments, professional development, and Internet knowledge and experience. Provides questions and discussions of possible…

The public library has become the locus for public anxiety about children's access to objectionable material on the Internet. Discusses Judith Krug's (Director of the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom) defense of unrestricted access, acceptable use, and filtering software. Highlights six filtering programs (client and…