Widely accessible networked computing reduces important barriers to learning, gives students real-world tools for real-world problems, and broadens practical collegiality. The challenge is to ensure that members of the electronic community understand the legal and ethical boundaries they must respect. This is essentially an educational issue. (MSE)

Describes a project at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign that explored several models of teleapprenticeships to provide teacher education students with collaborative, constructivist learning models through the use of electronic networks, and to integrate instructional computer experiences within the teacher education process. (five…

Discusses the development of computing networks for elementary and secondary schools in Virginia and Texas. Highlights include establishing a statewide infrastructure; Internet access; distributed computing; instructional resources; the changing role of State Departments of Education; teacher training and support; and policy issues, including…

Provides illustrated examples of Mosaic pages of Internet-based information developed by elementary school students and teachers. Descriptions include how hypertext mark-up language (HTML) is used to create the pages and link them with Internet resources, and directions for using Mosaic to access other examples and additional information are…

Describes tools for technological forecasting, including expert opinion, leading indicators, and trend analysis. Discussion includes process of technology diffusion and the changes it creates, and draws implications for instruction and school administration as well as emerging computer and telecommunications applications in business. Estimates are…

Describes the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and the inclusion of abstracting and indexing industry databases in OPACs. Topics addressed include the implications of including abstracting and indexing tape and CD-ROM products in OPACs; the need for standards allowing library systems to communicate with dissimilar CD-ROM products; and computer,…

Discusses the planning that is needed to effectively network school computers. Topics addressed include advantages of networking, including electronic mail, cost effectiveness, and time savings; use by students and teachers; wiring systems; network configurations; and use by library/media centers. (LRW)

Describes a project designed to help high school language students learn about French-speaking countries that uses HyperCard and telecommunications capabilities and can be adapted to other related curriculum areas. Highlights include cooperative group work using the Internet and creating HyperCard stacks. (three references.) (LRW)

The study described in this article investigated original student research using student-to-student telecommunications. Sixth graders gathered original data through Internet to answer their own questions about education in other countries. Student surveys and teacher observation indicated students found telecommunications highly motivating. (SM)

The social support networks of 418 adults with mental retardation who live at home were found to be large, durable, active, and diverse in their composition. Family members predominated as members. Males and those with the most severe mental retardation were found to be at risk for social isolation. (Author/JDD)

Describes and explores the District Education Agent program, a community-based program proposed by the Subcommittee on Select Education of the U.S. House of Representatives, which is comparable to the agricultural extension service. Ways in which it might incorporate new technological capabilities are suggested. (12 references) (DB)

Examines the implications of higher education's increased internationalization. Discusses student exchanges, foreign language study, curricular collaboration, interuniversity information networks, and joint research and publishing projects as examples of internationalized education. Underscores the roles of international organizations and…

Describes Telecommunications Opportunities for Gifted Learners (TOGL), a state-funded project in Florida that links gifted programs in rural districts. The use of electronic mail and computer conferences is described; teacher education and training needs are discussed; and an example of a lesson plan that integrates online activities is given.…

Describes Eastern Kentucky Teachers' Network (EKTN), developed by Foxfire Teacher Outreach program for training teachers in "Foxfire approach" to education. Describes development of EKTN from summer workshop idea to three-woman office. Describes classroom projects initiated by EKTN, and program's effect on teachers. (TES)

Educators must understand the new educational technologies, select the best ones for classroom use, and find innovative and equitable ways to pay for them. The heart of education's technological transformation is the computer; fiber networks, television optical disks, multimedia, satellites, electronic mail, and virtual reality are also important…