Reviews the current state of the Internet as a data transport system and some of its emerging problems. Discusses two major research initiatives--Internet 2 and Next Generation Internet (NGI)--and network-level services that may see deployment in these new research testbeds. Concludes with speculations about future changes to the Internet as a…

Proposes a "critical mass" explanation for the diffusion of interactive media, such as telephone, electronic mail, or computer conferencing, within communities. Considers two special characteristics of interactive media: (1) that widespread usage creates universal access, and (2) that use entails interdependence, in which earlier users…

Introduces the Educational Research List (ERL-L) in the BITNET/Internet network. How to subscribe to ERL-L is explained, and some other lists of interest to educational researchers are described. The future of network technology is projected, including virtual conferences on educational research. (SLD)

Describes the development of a Government Information Locator Service as part of the National Information Infrastructure that will identify and describe public information resources throughout the federal government and provide assistance in obtaining the information. Access through the Internet, electronic mail, CD-ROM, and printed materials is…

Discusses using the Internet as a tool for delivering information to rural areas and the possible benefits, such as telecommuting, effective dissemination of medical information, and the promotion of grass-roots activism. The means rural residents use to connect to the Internet and their use of bulletin board systems are described. (nine…

This guide to the Internet is geared toward special education teachers. Descriptions of various resources, including discussion groups (sometimes known as LISTSERVS) or conferences that appear to be beneficial for educators who instruct students with learning disabilities, are provided. The explosion in communication via the information…

Six articles describe various Internet applications, including a campuswide information system that uses Gopher; using an X Windows interface for Internet access; electronic text projects; the Nevada Academic Libraries information system; Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions and electronic reference services; the Internet and OCLC. (Contains 61…

Provides a table of web sites and site descriptions corresponding to specific articles in this issue. Topics include grocery store math, math olympics, and marine education. (SD)

ERes, an electronic reserve system, allows faculty and staff to make documents available on the World Wide Web without requiring any technical skills. The system was developed at Santa Clara University (California). This paper provides an overview of ERes and includes: technical information; the user interface for entering and viewing documents;…

Provides some basic and rudimentary information on using the Internet and the World Wide Web. Succinctly answers such questions as: What is the Internet?; What does it cost?; and What kind of equipment do I need? Includes a list of recommended Web sites for general coverage of social studies. (MJP)

Reflects on the experience of teaching a large undergraduate course on the geography of global conflict. A World Wide Web site featuring an archive of conflicts around the globe was designed and integrated into the course. Discusses issues concerning the design and maintenance of the Web site and its usefulness as a learning resource. (MJP)

The National Information Infrastructure (NII) is planned as a web of communications networks, computers, databases, and consumer electronics that will put vast amounts of information at the users' fingertips. Private sector firms are beginning to develop this infrastructure, but essential roles remain for the Federal Government. The National…

Provides an overview of U.S. federal information policy and its treatment of electronic information resources. Highlights include government publications; electronic government information; main providers of government information, including the Government Printing Office; the Freedom of Information Act; public access and use; information…

Information has become an increasingly valuable commodity. Access to full-text information, containing text, images, and in some cases, sound, is becoming vital to decision-making for organizations as well as individuals. The book covers the following topics: (1) the information marketplace in a cyberculture; (2) the telecommunications foundation…