Explains packet radio as a form of telecomputing in which digital data is transported via radio waves instead of telephone lines or other cabling, and describes how it can be used by students to access the Internet. Highlights include packet bulletin board systems and equipment needed for a packet radio station. (LRW)

Examines the ways in which writing teachers present themselves in a virtual classroom--a computer networked first-year composition classroom. Discusses how the teachers' online presence relate to their off-line, "live" presence. Suggests that differences among teacher are more important than similarities. (RS)

Discusses the theoretical links between motivation and learning and the use of information technology resulting from the installation of a new computer network in a secondary school. Results of evaluation by both teachers and pupils show improved teaching and learning and increased enjoyment of learning. (Author/LRW)

Describes streaming media, an audio/video presentation that is delivered across a network so that it is viewed while being downloaded onto the user's computer, including a continuous stream of video that can be pre-recorded or live. Discusses its use for nontraditional students in higher education and reports on implementation experiences. (LRW)

This article introduces the assessment and deployment contexts of the Networking Performance Skill System (NetPASS) project and the articles in this section that report on findings from this endeavor. First, the educational context of the Cisco Networking Academy Program is described. Second, the basic outline of Evidence Centered Design is…

In this article, the author looks to the past for trends in hardware, software, networking, and education and attempt to extrapolate where they are going and what their broad implications might be. However, there are many different ways that trends can be interpreted, and it is easy to pick trends that support one's thesis and ignore ones that…

The authors document an experimental writing course that uses electronic networks to create an online classroom for writing instruction. They describe a typical class meeting and discuss the challenges and results of teaching in this new environment. (JOW)

The Education Network of Ontario (ENO) is a telecommunications corporation creating an access and applications network for and by Ontario's 130,000-member education community. When educators register with ENO, they receive full industry-standard Internet and Intranet services in English and French. ENO/REO works from school or home. Statistics…

Since the popularization of networked computing that began in 1993, many excited educators have employed networked computers to improve motivation and learning in the classroom. Computers have also become a focal point for the improvement of instruction through the introduction of teaching methods that better support constructivist learning. While…

Logical communication structures organize basic telecommunications services to meet the aims and requirements of groups working on the Internet. This article clarifies logical communication structures within an educational context and illustrates how the communication requirements of work or study groups correspond to a variety of…

Explains site licensing, which grants certain microcomputer software rights to a school or district for a fee. Differences of rights among vendors are discussed, the impact of networking on-site licensing is described, and examples of the benefits of site licensing in public school districts are given. (LRW)

Describes a computer network developed at the School of Engineering at Rice University which links users to a supporting mainframe and other major computing facilities, and creates an electronic studio for students. Topics discussed include network planning, design, and maintenance; software and courseware used; and implications for other academic…

Presented are system concepts with examples of various vendor approaches for implementing laboratory local area networks. (CW)

Discusses present and future developments in the educational software industry for elementary and secondary schools. Topics discussed include problems with making software work on a variety of hardware; planning future development; the widespread use of Apple computers; MS-DOS machines; computer networks; and multimedia. (LRW)

Discusses the development of the Internet and describes the results of a survey of Internet users that asked about the use of computers in schools, benefits for teaching, and the Internet's future in education. Global interactions and the need for standards are considered, and science and engineering Internet addresses are listed. (LRW)