A five-year longitudinal study of undergraduate use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) found that student attitudes were stable, despite technological change; student expectations had increased; and student utilization of CMC was still primarily for course-related information. The study concluded that CMC can be best used as a complement…

Explores the use of MOO (multi-user object oriented) virtual environments in academic libraries to enhance reference services. Highlights include the development of multi-user database (MUD) technology from gaming to non-recreational settings; programming issues; collaborative MOOs; MOOs as distinguished from other types of virtual reality; audio…

An article and four sidebars examine tools that help information professionals perform efficient Internet searches. Topics include search engine features, integrated software applications, document management and creation utilities, the speed of online communications, intelligent agents for filtering information, cross-platform networking…

Describes efforts by Fairmont State College (West Virginia) librarians to use electronic mail and a listserv to instruct registrants in a multipart Internet seminar. The development, implementation, and subsequent evaluation of the program are discussed, along with the advantages and disadvantages of computer-mediated communication as the sole…

Children's television personality Fred Rogers describes an experimental e-mail program in which children were invited to express their concerns about school. He discusses the drawbacks of computers, as well as the benefit of interactivity, and emphasizes the importance of the teacher-child relationship. (AEF)

Examines current trends and directions in information technology and telecommunications. Discusses legislation; mergers and acquisitions; Internet service providers; fiscal control in libraries and the pooling of electronic information access through consortiums; demand for more bandwidth; technology selection; Internet usage patterns; the…

Describes the aims of an evolving teaching resources database, TeleTeach, which is part of a computer-based teacher support network called TeleNex. The article discusses how TeleTeach's unique features may contribute toward building an electronic community of reflective teachers, suggesting that teaching materials are potentially complementary to…

Provides an account of the perceptions and experiences of preservice teachers on the roles of their tutors in online discussions, based on a study at the National Institute of Education (Singapore). Reports results of a questionnaire survey, focus group interviews, and analyses of the discussion records. (Author/LRW)

Examines synchronous computer-mediated communication used in a university environment. Compared the level of participation among students and contrasted their written German chatroom discourse with their oral discourse produced in small face-to-face discussion groups. (Author/VWL)

Examines how social, cultural, and institutional affordances and constraints in a telecollaborative foreign language learning partnership shape the agency of online teachers. Details how various aspects of school and schooling impact the negotiation, execution and management of a German-American virtual course from the perspectives of the…

Discusses the trend toward online recruitment for librarians and describes a survey of library employees who had posted jobs online. Topics include reasons for online job postings; where positions were advertised, including types of Web sites and print media; electronic communication and emailed resumes; and the future of online recruitment. (LRW)

Discusses a study completed about the satisfaction of students with interactive teleclasses and online courses. Data indicates that most students are satisfied with long distance learning and would recommend it to others. Speculates that minority students cannot take advantage of these courses due to a lack of access. (Contains 3 references.) (MZ)

Examines how the Internet serves the scientific research community. Highlights include collaboration and large group communication via e-mail; USENET discussion groups; advantages of the World Wide Web and software-based simulations; changes in information storage; and benefits and problems of electronic publishing and online journals. (AEF)

Describes the development of a one-credit Web-enhanced course at Rollins College (Florida) library that encompasses information literacy, basic computer literacy, and critical thinking skills. Topics include benefits to students, including learning at their own pace and communication with students and instructors; and the need to keep educational…

Presents an in-depth description of one school's successful online mentoring program which is focused on middle school students reading below grade level. Discusses program specifics; role of college mentors; online discussions; test results; and results summary. Includes a sample calendar of assignments and samples of messages between student and…