USENET newsgroup topics are created, and they evolve, mutate, and become extinct in ways fundamentally different from spoken dialog. These differences can be explained partially by the asynchronous nature of electronic communication, as well as by other factors unique to such wide-scale multi-user media. (Author)

According to Thomas Stewart's book, intellectual capital comprises three broad categories: human, structural, and customer. Structural, or organizational capital, is knowledge that does not leave at night (with workers, or human capital). Developing a "best practices" database using Lotus Notes software would preserve and access schools'…

Presents results of informal research on smart homes and appliances, structured home wiring, whole-house audio/video distribution, hybrid cable, and wireless networks. Computer network wiring is tricky to install unless all-in-one jacketed cable is used. Wireless phones help installers avoid pre-wiring problems in homes and schools. (MLH)

Discusses the controversy surrounding the existence of a culture created by those who use computers; some argue that computers lack emotional contact and that computer-mediated communication does not have the commonality to form a culture. Analyzes transcripts collected through a synchronous computer system, and argues that cultures are both…

Describes PRONET (PROcedural NETworks), an integrated exploratory sequential data analysis technique that uses Pathfinder network scaling to highlight frequently occurring transitions among user, system, and environmental events. Illustrates the success and limitations of the method through two case studies. Thirteen figures highlight protocols of…

Presents the results of an investigation of the use of links on Web pages; a content analysis was performed on 75 Web pages and their links. Results will provide a conceptual framework in which Web page design can be considered, including issues of authoring, retrieval, and built-in and on-the-fly guidance for reading and browsing. (Author/AEF)

In 1997, Buckman Laboratories (based in Memphis, Tennessee) embarked on a plan to create a Learning Center for its distributed, global workforce using the corporate intranet. The Learning Center is now fully operational and tightly integrated with the knowledge management and sharing activities of the company. Discussion includes rapid prototyping…

Identifies a working set of standards by which to assess individual digital reference services (Internet-based human-mediated information services) and to define membership within a collaborative network of digital reference services. The standards are designed for the Virtual Reference Desk AskA Consortium. (Author/LRW)

Points out the lack of standards and benchmarks guides for college science teaching. Questions whether it is necessary to attempt to establish national science standards for college science teaching and considers professional development, motivation, and teaching strategies. Recommends teacher preparation experience for college science faculty.…

In peer-to-peer systems, the lack of dedicated links between constituent computers presents a major challenge. Discusses the problems of distributed database operation with reference to an example. Presents two statistical selection algorithms-one for the intranet with broadcast/multicast facilities, the other for Internet without…

Reports on results of 2-year study of educational use of technology at 2 San Francisco Bay Area high schools. Finds little impact on students' school experience. Discusses several reasons for this finding: Traditional school structures, time constraints, and competing educational priorities. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

Describes the work of Rod Soltis in developing interlinked telecommunications networks in all 14 of New York's Appalachian counties. The networks connect to each other, state and federal agencies and networks, schools, social service agencies, hospitals, and museums, and include private partnerships with telephone and cable TV companies. Soltis'…

Describes university courses and programs in protecting computer networks and World Wide Web sites from vandals, cyberterrorists, and malicious hackers. Notes such courses are provided by East Stroudsburg University (Pennsylvania), Purdue University (Indiana), George Mason University (Virginia), and Texas A&M University. Also notes the federal…

Discussion of library reference services and the conflict between richness (complexity) of services and the reach (number of users that can be served) focuses on information technology that is used in electronic commerce and available on the Internet. Discusses changing roles of libraries and networked information environments. (Author/LRW)

This study seeks a practical understanding of the business, organizational, and technical components of and implementation guidelines needed to effectively deploy extranets. It aims to establish a basic conceptual framework for understanding extranet implementation guidelines. Provides a specific case using VF Playwear, Inc.'s HealthTexbtob.com, a…