Britain's University for Industry is proposed as a 21st-century version of the Open University, intended to stimulate training innovations through a national learning network using communications technologies. It is likely to succeed only by sponsoring a demand-led training culture and an accessible infrastructure. (SK)

Looks briefly at the history of World Wide Web search engine development and considers the current state of affairs. Reflects on future directions in terms of personalization, summarization, query expansion, coverage, and metadata. (Author/AEF)

Tests socioemotional selectivity theory among African Americans and European Americans. Older people reported as many close partners but fewer peripheral partners as their younger counterparts, thus confirming the theory. A greater percentage of close social partners in social networks related to lower levels of happiness among the young age group…

Describes a study that involved setting up an expanded counseling network with an emphasis on professional service provision, and combining this with the training and professional development of a network of part-time counselors. Ethical and practical issues are explored in detail, and encouragement is given to other institutions to use a similar…

Tested for social class differences in social support among older adults. Data suggest social class differences emerge when measures of contact with friends, support provided to others, and satisfaction with support are examined. Significant differences failed to emerge with indicators of contact with family, support received from others, and…

Provides educators with a basic understanding of what networks are and how they can be used in educational settings. Topics include issues, policies, and equipment involved in setting up a network; software; telephone service; a computer facilitator; and the Internet and the World Wide Web for elementary and secondary education. (LRW)

This study of three high school students with severe disabilities in regular education classes found that regular class participation was an important source for meeting peers without disabilities who subsequently became members of students' social networks. Perceived quality of social contacts was not dependent on initial contact being made…

For over a decade, the Central Kitsap (Washington) School District invested in high-tech infrastructure, staff training, computer hardware and software, and development of in-house technical support. This article describes one elementary school's efforts to empower disabled students via research-based learning activities, computer networking, and…

Describes a project initiated at Silverado High School in Las Vegas, where students from Las Vegas and schools across the United States monitor the levels of radon in the atmosphere. Enables students to learn first hand about the collection, analysis, and interpretation of scientific data and to network with other students from the United States…

Introductory exploration of two usenet newsgroups focused on political discussions. The goal is to answer questions regarding issues such as who is participating in these online discussions and whether the online groups resemble more traditional discussion networks. (Author)

Explores the possibility of using Web contact center software to offer reference assistance to remote users. Discusses a project by the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System/Santiago Library System consortium to test contact center software and to develop a virtual reference network. (Author/LRW)

Explores the nature of the relationships between gender, categories of computer use, and attitudes toward computers in a computer-enriched university environment where students had network access and laptop computers over a four-year period. Results indicate women were less positive about computers than men and their use levels were less frequent.…

Describes how Austin Community College in Austin, Texas uses information technology (IT) to leverage existing resources, develop solutions, and enhance academic offerings while focusing on their diverse community of students. Discusses organization of IT divisions and committees, distance learning efforts, network infrastructure, integration of…

Discussion of wireless technology focuses on whether there is enough value in a wireless infrastructure for schools to justify the cost. Considers issues campuses must face, including access to the Internet, telecommunications, and networking; explains technical details; and describes wireless initiatives at Wake Forest University. (LRW)

Outlines the theory behind the formation of language conventions, then reveals conventions evolving in the community of people writing hypertext on the Web. Demonstrates how these conventions can be used to augment and shift the meaning of already published hypertexts. Describes the system called InCommonSense, which reuses particular hypertext…