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 activity cycles in long-distance educational electronic networks based on experiences on FrEdMail (a grass-roots microcomputer-based electronic network) to create effective network-based learning activities. Yearly, weekly, daily, and other cycles are described; and cyclical patterns for two types of instructional interactions are…

Examines the use of a local area network in an educational environment to maximize the use of academic computing resources. Topics discussed include information resources, including the Internet; interpersonal communication through electronic mail; group support systems; computer resource management, including software licensing; problems; and…

The Internet is an international computer network composed of thousands of smaller networks. As K-12 schools connect to the Internet, a new method of communication opens up to educators and their students. This ERIC Digest describes some sample services and resources that are available to the K-12 community by electronic mail over the Internet.…

Discusses the need for improving science education, and suggests that electronic mail is an effective, motivating instructional strategy for improving science teaching. Highlights include how electronic mail is currently being used in elementary and secondary education, especially in Nevada; and why it is not used more. (LRW)

The educational activities using school telecommunications that are detailed in this document emanate from two participants in the EduTex Project, which has been carried out for almost four years by the Institut Romand de Recherches et de Documentation Pedagogiques (IRDP) at the mandatory schooling level. For several years these two teachers have…

This paper provides an overview of electronic mail (e-mail) systems and identifies curricular applications of common systems available to educators. Highlights include an outline of selected e-mail services; a description of hardware and software needed to use e-mail; an introduction to the Internet; a look at how e-mail systems help students; and…

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…

Discussion of electronic mail and computer-mediated communication focuses on local bulletin board systems (BBSs) that run on microcomputers. Uses in education and businesses are described, computer requirements and costs are outlined, bulletin board software is discussed, and echo networking is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

Examines how one teacher combined jump rope jingles and computerized telecommunications to create a cross-cultural curriculum, having students use electronic mail to collect data from and play games with other students nationwide. The article also describes technology tools to link students with an international community of learners. (SM)

This paper is an introduction to computer-mediated communication (CMC) for university faculty and uses of CMC in education and professional development. An introductory section defines CMC, describes CMC tools, and briefly reviews the literature. The following topics related to CMC in instruction are addressed in the first section: educational…

Considers ways to plan for Internet access based on experiences at Conestoga High School (Pennsylvania). Topics include dial up, mediated access versus direct connection; fees; Internet services, including e-mail accounts; support services; Internet use policy; and integrating Internet use into the curriculum. (LRW)

The New York State Technology Network Ties (TNT) systems is a statewide telecommunications network which consists of computers, telephone lines, and telecommunications hardware and software. This network links school districts, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), libraries, other educational institutions, and the State Education…

This article presents a list of the most current and commonly used computer networking terms, providing brief descriptions of each. The terms are related to hardware, software, electronic networks and services, making the connection, and locating information in cyberspace. (SM)

Describes a project in England that enhanced distance learning by providing tutorial support using digitized voice and data transmission. The technical aspects of the microcomputer-based system that was developed are highlighted, including design strategy; hardware and software components; system interactions; and voice mail usage. (LRW)