Guides librarians in evaluating "filtering" software which schools may purchase for restricting access to potentially inappropriate Internet sites. This article discusses the workings of filtering programs and practical and ethical questions such as: how sites are restricted, who decides, and whether transactions are monitored.…

Problems involved in distance learning where teachers utilizing public chat sites and interactive software crosses the Internet students online are examined. The provisions of the TEACH Act that became law in 2002 and provides guidelines on the use of copyright-protected material are discussed.

Describes Internet Relay Chats (IRCs), electronic conversations over the Internet that allow multiple users to write messages, and their applications to educational settings such as teacher collaboration and conversations between classes. Explains hardware and software requirements, IRC organization into nets and channels, and benefits and…

Copyright compliance can be divided into two phases: things and people. Suggestions are provided for managing things (print, video, audio, computer software, hardware, local area network resources, and Internet) and people (students, teachers, and staff). Responsibilities of the copyright manager are briefly noted. (AEF)