This special section explains the latest developments in networking technologies, profiles school districts benefiting from successful implementations, and reviews new products for building networks. Highlights include ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), cable modems, networking switches, Internet screening software, file servers, network management…

Describes three encyclopedias available on CD-ROM: (1) Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia; (2) World Book's Information Finder; and (3) Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia. Ideas for how they might be used in the classroom are suggested, information retrieval versus motivation is discussed, learning processes are examined, and stand-alone versus…

Describes a microcomputer-based network developed at the University of California Los Angeles to support education in the social sciences. Topics discussed include technological, managerial, and academic considerations of university networking; the use of the network in teaching macroeconomics, social demographics, and symbolic logic; and possible…

Discusses the growing use of telecommunications in the classroom and lists 30 projects and networks currently available to educators. Highlights include general online services; databases; news services; local area projects; worldwide projects; electronic mail projects, including AT&T's Long Distance Learning Network (LDLN); and networks for…

Describes the development of a financial computing laboratory at the University of Lancaster (United Kingdom) and outlines the ways in which online financial information has been integrated into teaching and research. Highlights include hardware used; computer networks; commercial databases used in the financial sector; and teaching and research…

Three examples from Canadian schools and elsewhere illustrate the ways in which computers and computer networks can improve language skills, both first and second. Computer networks can provide opportunities for collaborative learning experiences facilitating literacy development and cultural exchange. (LMO)

Describes the activities of KIDLINK, an international electronic conferencing system that was developed to establish communication between children 10 to 15 years old around the world using the Internet and other computer networks. A list of local KIDLINK contacts in 29 countries is included. (LRW)

Narrates the establishment of a writing across the curriculum program at Totino-Grace High School in Minneapolis in cooperation with the University of Minnesota. Highlights current advances in networking the system via modems and the benefits to both the high school students and university researchers. (BCY)

Describes the Integrated Learning Systems, a system of networked computers running both broad curriculum software and a management system that tracks student progress at St. Gabriel School in Philadelphia. Emphasizes its use as a remedial tool for reading and math, its location inside the classroom, and positive results/ reactions obtained. (BCY)

Discusses the various ways computers and related technology are being used in early childhood and elementary settings. Describes different types of educational software, local area networks and telecommunications, and online information services such as CompuServe and Prodigy. Gives examples of online curricular activities and advice on the…

Reviews developments in telecommunications applications for education in Western Europe by describing national or regional initiatives for support of telecommunications use by teachers and in schools. Highlights include examples of networks and support services and the role of the Commission of the European Communities. (22 references) (LRW)

The Advanced Computing/Management Training Program at Jordan Technical Center (Sandy, Utah) simulates an automated office to teach five sets of skills: computer architecture and operating systems, word processing, data processing, communications skills, and management principles. (SK)

Describes results of a Delphi study that was conducted to gather information to assist in defining the future of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in higher education. Results indicate that applications of CMC will focus on supporting classroom activities and facilitating cooperative learning and that one obstacle is faculty attitudes. (31…

Discusses ways in which computers can be used to help school reform by shifting the emphasis from information transmission to information processing. Highlights include creating learning communities that extend beyond the classroom; educationally oriented computer networks; Professional Development Schools for curriculum development; and new…

Describes the development of strategies and software to help people work collaboratively while at a distance from one another. The importance of collaborative activities, the shared spaces concept behind groupware, examples of software that support synchronous and asynchronous group activities, and design issues for educational groupware are…