Conceptually, e-mail is not a whole lot different from regular postal mail ("snail mail"), except that it is much faster. E-mail requires three things: (1) a personal computer; (2) a telephone or communication line; and (3) an Internet provider (e-mail service account). This article provides details on how it works--plus some research activities…

Examines commercial communications products that offer electronic mail and special interest forums to determine which would best meet the needs of members of Puppeteers of America and UNIMA (Union International de la Marionette). Services and costs of CompuServe, the WELL (Whole Earth Electronic Link), GEnnie, and Prodigy are described. (MES)

Compares face-to-face negotiation outcomes with computer-mediated negotiation outcomes using an integrative (win-win) negotiation. Highlights include the use of electronic mail; literature reviews on negotiation literature, computer-mediated communication literature, and computer-mediated negotiation literature; hypotheses tested; Pareto…

Describes a system that automatically classifies e-mail messages in the HUMANIST electronic discussion group into one of four classes: question, response, announcement, or administrative. The system's ability to accurately classify a message was compared against manually assigned codes. Results suggested that there was a statistical agreement in…

Discusses electronic mail use in elementary/secondary education focusing on a comparison/review of award-winning Internet-based Virtual Reference Desk Exemplary Services (Ask Dr. Math, Ask A Volcanologist, How Things Work, AskERIC, Mad Scientist, Shamu, and American Art) that provide ask-an-expert question and answer services. Home pages, delivery…

Discusses accessing the Internet via satellite with the Hughes Network Systems DirecPC satellite dish, focusing on applications for satellite dishes, pricing, how it works, siting and hardware requirements, disadvantages, security issues, and availability. Provides tips for enhancing DirecPC speed and compares DirecPC and integrated services…

Describes public and private online networks and the characteristics of electronic mail. Reviews the literature on survey research conducted via electronic mail, and examines the issues of design, implementation, and response. A table displays advantages and disadvantages of electronic mail surveys. (AEF)

Examines competing, commercially developed electronic mail programs and how these technologies will affect the functionality and quality of electronic mail. How new standards for client-server mail systems are likely to enhance messaging capabilities and the use of electronic mail for information retrieval are considered. (Contains eight…

Observed effects of dialogue journaling through electronic mail on the language produced by learners of Spanish as a second language, compared with the paper-and-pencil version. The electronic version was found to have a positive effect on the amount of language generated and on students' attitudes towards learning the target language but did not…

Discusses the redesign of an introductory education technology course required for all teacher education students. Highlights include the use of videotapes; electronic mail; undergraduate students as technical support in computer laboratories; and comparisons of student perceptions related to content, delivery, and time involved in the traditional…

A California State University, Northridge mathematics professor divided a statistics class, teaching one group traditionally in class and another in an online version of the course, using a World Wide Web site, electronic mail, and an electronic chat room. On both midterm and final exams, the latter group performed significantly better. Despite a…

Discusses the introduction of computer-mediated communications (CMC) in management education and describes the impact of the new technology on the role of the tutor. The role of the moderator in CMC is contrasted with the role of the tutor in learner-controlled, or participative, education; and future directions are suggested. (17 references) (LRW)

Investigates the effect of oral and electronic media on interaction patterns by learners of Japanese as a second language. The framework for the analysis of learner is speech act theory, which provides a richly developed set of descriptive categories by which to examine interactional processes. (Author/JL)

Explains education portals as Web sites that help teachers, students, parents, and librarians work together to learn and to share information. Compares full-service portals and niche portals regarding audience, search engine, grade levels, community tools including email and lesson plans, content, cost, and best features. (LRW)

Outlines a method for teaching a college-level introductory second-language course entirely online, using a distance learning approach that incorporates electronic messaging, multimedia, World Wide Web, and Internet assignments. The course structure, pedagogical issues, and one university's experience with on-line courseware discussed, and student…