The original goal of an information center was to create an environment wherein end users could generate their own analyses and management reports from institutional data without the direct aid of information systems staff. It is suggested, however, that real productivity gains are not being achieved. (MLW)

Indicates that (1) computer-mediated communication systems, specifically public computer conferencing, can facilitate a moderate exchange of socioemotional content and (2) basic network roles do not generally differ in percentage of socioemotional content. Discusses some fundamental issues in analyzing content and networks in computer-mediated…

Neural network based intelligent tools, developed for the national security infrastructure, will soon be available for teachers. Neural network software establishes powerful intuitive connections among words, concepts, documents, and search queries. In the school setting, such a search tool could automatically index textbooks, cross-reference any…

This article is an annotated bibliography listing and describing 79 publications pertaining to Internet-based instruction. Articles focus on topics such as the following: new technologies for educators and trainers, distance teaching strategies, intranets, virtual classrooms, online college degrees, and electronic performance systems.…

The main purpose of this paper is to draw attention to assumptions that guide the instructional design process when implementing and organizing network-based learning environments in practice. In this case, the situated and socially shared cognition model and participation metaphor create the guiding paradigm for collaborative learning action,…

Learning networks are a proven way to deliver massively scalable blended learning solutions that have been successfully implemented in a variety of commercial situations. For learning challenges that involve educating hundreds of thousands of distributed learners across thousands of organizations, learning networks can enable the delivery of…

Describes benefits of the Austin Free-Net, part of the nationwide movement "community networks" to provide public access to computers to low-income communities. Presents examples of users and discusses Internet instruction and location of terminals. A sidebar highlights 10 community networks, with areas served and Web site addresses.…

More than 40 leading computer and telephony companies have united to lead the charge toward open standards and universal interoperability for Internet telephony products. The voice of IP Forum (VoIP) is working to define technical guidelines for two-party, real-time communications over IP networks, including provisions for compatibility with…

Discusses netiquette, or rules of etiquette when using computer networks, for online communications such as electronic mail and public online forums. Print and online sources for netiquette are given, and examples of poor communication are included. (LRW)

Case studies of the linking of four small business centers in technical institutes in Kenya by electronic bulletin boards identified barriers and problems to the implementation of electronic mail: interpersonal and organizational conflicts, technical difficulties, financial and regulatory constraints, and skill and motivation deficits.…

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)

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…

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,…

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.…

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)