Discusses standards for the design and implementation of the electronic data networks developed for, and adopted by, the Pittsburgh Public Schools as district policy. Describes the layered approach which includes the physical layer, the protocol layer, and the application layer, and recommends hardware. A sidebar features court television in high…

Installation of a schoolwide local area computer network at Chicago-Kent College of Law (Illinois) is described. Uses of electronic mail within a course on computer law are described. Additional social, administrative, and research uses of electronic mail are noted as are positive effects and emerging problems (e.g., burdens on recipients and…

Discussion of difficulties in finding tests and measuring instruments for academic library users focuses on electronic databases. Highlights include the Educational Testing Service collection; eight databases for finding measures; Internet access to databases; other national and local databases; print sources of measures; and obtaining copies of…

Discusses how the World-Wide Web (WWW) can be linked to the PAT system, a search engine supporting access to Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) encoded documents. Technical concepts are reviewed, and the operation of a PAT-to-Web gateway is explained using examples of how it is employed. (JKP)

Despite plans for corporate training networks, digital ad-insertion systems, hotel video-on-demand, and interactive television, only small scale video networks presently work. Four case studies examine the design and implementation decisions for different markets: corporate; advertising; hotel; and commercial video via cable, satellite or…

Describes services offered by the Center for Electronic Records of the National Archives and Records Administration and discusses electronic communication tools used in its reference services program, including electronic mailing lists, electronic mail, and online descriptive materials and finding aids. Provides an overview of constituency groups…

Describes Books on Tape, an unabridged audiobook publisher, and its appeal to the library market. Discussion covers reading styles used on the tapes, the lack of celebrity readers, the story of the company's founding and development, its use of computerized customer tracking and networking, the availability of replacement tapes, and cassette cover…

Discusses the use of an asynchronous learning network (ALN) for information and software systems design courses at Drexel University (Pennsylvania). Results indicate that ALN-based education is cost-effective; that students on and off campus find the ALN more convenient and a superb learning environment; and that organization of materials is…

Discussion of hypertext and hypermedia focuses on its use in the production of interactive and distributed documents. Topics include the World Wide Web; HTML (Hypertext Markup Language); client interfaces; gateways to other computer network protocols; and future considerations, including cultural and linguistic problems, software, legal and…

Discussion of the use of the Internet and World Wide Web for interactive distance education courses focuses on the importance of providing iterative usability evaluation of online courses and strategies to ensure effective online course presentation. Design heuristics are suggested, including feedback, help and documentation, and controls for…

The digital library encompasses the application of high-performance computers and networks to the production, distribution, management, and use of knowledge in research and education. A joint project by three federal agencies, which is investing in digital library initiatives at six universities, is discussed. A sidebar provides issues to consider…

Discusses local area networking and global telecommunications. Examines the advantages of networked systems; the importance of connecting classrooms to the Internet or commercial online systems; and how World Wide Web, hypermedia, and the development of browsing software may revolutionize teaching and learning. Terminology and tools used in…

Concludes a discussion on the Boulder Valley Internet Project, which involved networking a K-12 school district to the Internet. Focuses on learning and curriculum integration issues, identifies five ways teachers use the Internet, and notes future goals. (AEF)

Provides annotated listing and subscription procedures for four Listserv discussion groups focusing on outdoor, adventure, or experiential education: "AEELIST" is set up for anyone involved in experiential education; "Australian Outdoor Ed" focuses on current research and teaching interests; "Wildornt" facilitates…

Classes taught over computer networks (the Internet) will remake today's high schools. Education on demand is becoming a "virtual reality" for regular, homebound, hospitalized, and less motivated students. Reassigning disobedient, unwilling students to an off-campus computer communications lab will significantly improve attendance,…