This hearing addresses legislative proposals to protect children from inappropriate materials on the Internet. Among the issues discussed are federal investments and information access, defining standards for protection, child pornography and marketing to children, filtering technology and adult verification services, and freedom of speech.…

This guide contains 19 science-based, multidisciplinary activities that teach what a watershed is, how it works and why we must all consider ourselves watershed managers. An extensive background section introduces readers to fundamental watershed concepts. Each activity adapts to local watersheds, contains e-links for further Internet research and…

To help ninth-grade students become critical users of the Internet, an English teacher and a library media specialist developed an open-ended debate assignment to be assessed with a rubric. This article describes the implementation of the project and includes the assessment rubric, evaluating performance, logical arguments, support statements,…

Provides strategies for effective Internet searches. Categorizes queries into four types and describes tools: subject lists; indexes/directories; keyword search engines; Usenet newsgroups; and special purpose search tools. Discusses the importance of deciphering information and adjusting to changes. (AEF)

Describes a high school media center's plans for changing their computer configuration from a local area network to a district-supported wide area network to share resources. Topics include interlibrary loan; networking CD-ROMs; cooperative planning; computer printers; access from remote locations; and Internet access. (LRW)

Discusses KidsConnect (KC), an initiative of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), volunteer service to help children access and use the information available on the Internet effectively and efficiently. Describes the benefits to volunteers: improved Internet skills; knowledge of Internet-related resources; familiarity with…

Describes the State of Iowa Libraries Online project (SILO) which was developed to demonstrate new information technologies available to libraries. Focuses on two interlinked components of the project: Web-based union catalog development and statewide deployment of the ANS/NISO Z39.50 information retrieval standard. Includes recommendations for…

Describes an educational game designed to help students (fourth grade through adult) understand how financial markets work within the free enterprise system and how the basic economic principles impact the stock market. Discusses the paper and Internet versions of the game and provides some teaching guidelines. (MJP)

Examines the intersection between access to information technology and urban poverty and the role of the local government through a case study of Austin (Texas). The examples of the Austin Free-Net, which provides access sites and user training, and other Austin programs show the large degree of citizen interest and the recognition by policymakers…

Describes the Clearwater (Florida) Public Library Web site which was created as a response to the growing use of the Internet for accessing information. Topics include design considerations; users; text-based navigation links; access speed; ease of use; value-added service; what information and services to include; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Claims that, although teachers are increasingly expected to integrate technology--particularly the Internet--into their classrooms, it is the exceptional school system that prepares its teachers to use the Internet appropriately. Describes new products and resources that facilitate constructive and relatively easy use of the Internet, including…

Examines the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) which provides access to the state's public library resources; federal, state, and regional information resources; and other electronic information resources. Describes OPLIN's role in Ohio, hardware and services provided, mission, origin, funding, staff training, databases, future plans…

Synthesizes opinions of experts regarding technologies deemed most likely to enter the telecommunications mainstream by 1998, including: (1) the Java programming language; (2) voice- over frame relay; (3) virtual local area networks (LANs); (4) cable modems; (5) gigabit LANs; (6) Internet appliances; (7) personal satellite phones; (8) intranets;…

The digitization of over a million journal pages dating back to 1886, and access via the World Wide Web, intended originally to free shelf space, is seen by some scholars as changing the nature of scholarship. It will also significantly improve access from smaller institutions with limited collections. (MSE)

This article traces the transformation of a traditional correspondence school, the National Radio Institute, that relied on postal mail for delivery into a modern technology-based distance learning center now known as NRI Schools. Topics include discovery learning; test grading; lesson answer sheets; computer assisted learning; interactive voice…