Communication via computer networks is becoming more common each day. The differences between computer-mediated communication and face-to-face communication fall into three categories: (1) temporal factors (asynchronous versus synchronous); (2) spatial factors (geographical context and distance); and (3) social factors (participants, their…

Computers have changed the way information resources are handled. Large amounts of information are stored in one central place and can be accessed from remote locations. Users have a personal responsibility for the security of the system and the data stored in it. This document outlines the user's responsibilities and provides security and control…

A writing exchange project at Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College in Vermont, funded by Apple Education Foundation and McDonnell Douglas, examined what happened when high school students use word processors and a modem to write to distant audiences. In the first exchange, students interviewed each other in pairs and wrote short…

Describes Library 2000 at the Georgia Institute of Technology, which provides remote electronic access to a catalog of more then 350,000 books and documents, as well as access to the indexes to four extensive periodical databases. (MES)

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) promises to integrate voice, data, text, and video services within the context of existing telephone networks. It is a set of standards, or engineering design specifications, that will permit anyone to attach any innovative device to it as long as it abides by the network's protocols. (MLW)

The Computer Center at California State University, San Bernardino, provides centrally managed computing hardware and software to support both administrative users and academic programs. The center provides access to four computer systems which allow students a wide range of computing experiences. Instructional computing, administrative computing,…

Discusses use of computer conferencing in history instruction at Rochester, New York Institute of Technology. Describes how students hand in papers and communicate with their blind professor using personal computers and modems to send and receive electronic mail on the mainframe. Examines student reactions to project and evaluates program in terms…

The fifth session of IT@EDU98 consisted of four papers and was chaired by Nguyen Thanh Son (University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). "Distance Education at University of Hawaii" (David Lassner) investigates the technologies in use at the University of Hawaii, including: SkyBridge; HITS (Hawaii Interactive Television System);…

The older adult (55+) population is becoming a significant presence in the personal computer market. Seniors have the discretionary income, experience, interest, and free time to make use of computers in interesting ways. A literature review found that older adults make use of computers in significant numbers: 30 percent of computer owners are…

There is a whole infrastructure that must support a successful universal student computing requirement. Conventional approaches would have the students plugging into a wired network. That would necessitate network wires and hubs or many ports in each classroom. Students would need access to course-related software. Because the needs would change…

This document contains the enrollment application form and line-by-line instructions for subscribing to LincOn, a statewide network, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education, that allows public K-12 schools to access the Internet. An overview of LincOn and a checklist for implementing LincOn membership are also included. Appendices…

Grid computing allows large groups of computers (either in a lab, or remote and connected only by the Internet) to extend extra processing power to each individual computer to work on components of a complex request. Grid middleware, recognizing priorities set by systems administrators, allows the grid to identify and use this power without…

Discusses the management perspectives of the transition to distributed support services for information technology at Rice University (Texas), focusing on the implementation process, changes that were required in migrating from a strong centralized organization to a distributed model, and the challenges encountered in the implementation. (MDM)

Community networks are electronic information services that enable members of communities to inform one another about current issues. Discusses how community networks operate, what they do, budget constraints and innovation, problems and shortcomings, causes and solutions, and where libraries fit in. Highlights Charlotte's Web, a community network…

Discusses computer user authentication and authorization issues when libraries need to let valid users access databases and information services without making the process too difficult for either party. Common solutions are explained, including filtering, passwords, and kerberos (cryptographic authentication scheme for secure use over public…