With the rapid development of wireless networks and mobile technologies and the increasing adoption of mobile learning, the need for "anywhere, anytime and any device" access to information becomes more evident. This has influenced the design of learning objects. The small but developing literature on vodcasting indicates its potential…

For Americans to engage in a global information society, it is critical that they have access to high-speed, high-bandwidth Internet, meaning broadband. Network connectivity opens up a wealth of possibilities to K-12 educators. While it has the potential to result in fundamental changes in teaching methods, it can definitely be used to enhance…

This article discusses network security for libraries. It indicates that there were only six exploit (security exposure) problems, worldwide, reported to the CERT Coordination Center back in 1988. In that year, the CERT had just been established to provide a clearinghouse for exchanging information about network security problems. By 2003, the…

Explains client software tools that simplify two information access procedures on the Internet, i.e., file transfer and file access. The use of "Fetch" to explore and access file transfer protocol archives, and "TurboGopher," to explore and access Gopher servers, are described. (Contains two references.) (LRW)

This white paper proposes bringing the federal government, state governments, and the private sector together as part of a new approach to making high-speed Internet services available across the country. It proposes the creation of a new federal Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) that, together with matching funds from the states and the private…

Discusses connecting K-12 schools to the National Information Infrastructure. Presents four technology models and the estimated costs for each. Examines programs that could help reduce hardware, training, support, and retrofitting costs, and estimates potential savings. (JKP)

Discusses use of the MARC format for cataloging Internet resources. The benefits of MARC, importance of integrated information resources, and the guarantee of public access are cited as major reasons for using traditional cataloging and library OPACs. Suggests Internet resource collection criteria and the roles of various groups of people needed…

Examines why so many people have trouble understanding and accessing online systems, using the ERIC Silver Platter CD-ROM as an example. All online systems require users to know the proper procedures (protocols) to access information; these differ from product to product and change constantly. Users should know a particular database's scope and…

Discusses how service providers can address the challenge of costs and the need for attractive services valuable to business customers. Focuses on Internet service control; applying intelligent networking features to the internet working services dilemma; and providing access control over network-based applications for Internet virtual private…

Blacks are nearly absent from the ownership of capital in the information society and are far less likely to be equipped to participate in the use and manipulation of information. The black-white technology gap begins early in life and continues through the school years. (SLD)

This report discusses the growth of the National Information Infrastructure (NII), or the information superhighway, and its implications for people with disabilities. Advantages for people with disabilities include: increasing the ability of individuals with some types of disabilities to access and use information; decreasing personal isolation…

Networking has always been regarded by librarians as an essential tool to facilitate the timely provision of information. Teacher librarians have often been vocal supporters of networking in theory, but in practice networking has been rather a failure. The first part of this paper provides a historical overview of the rationale for networking and…

An interconnection of computer networks, telecommunications services, and applications, the National Information Infrastructure (NII) can open up new vistas and profoundly change much of American life. This report explores some of the opportunities and obstacles to the use of the NII by people and organizations. The goal is to express how…

This report summarizes the findings and presents data from a nationwide survey conducted by the Texas Education Network (TENET) from July 25 to September 30, 1994. In response to a TENET questionnaire, representatives from 46 of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs reported on the status of telecommunications networks…

A workshop focused on major research issues in networking and communications. This report defines the context for research priorities and initiatives and deals with issues in networking and communications. Fifteen major research priorities and four research specific initiatives were identified by participants as areas that should be pursued over…