Explains how to access the Internet, discussing hardware and software considerations, connectivity, and types of access available to users. Describes the uses of electronic mail; TELNET, a method for remotely logging onto another computer; and anonymous File Transfer Protocol (FTP), a method for downloading files from a remote computer. (MAB)

Asserts that the use of computer networks provides an important and effective resource for geography instruction. Describes the use of the Internet network in physical geography instruction. Provides an example of the use of Internet resources in a climatology/meteorology course. (CFR)

Describes a staff-development course for middle school teachers which builds a collaborative learning environment using the Internet and Lotus Notes Learning Space. The course features activities that demonstrate performance outcomes, interactive instructional strategies, authentic assessment, and a student-centered learning environment that…

Reengineering efforts, vendor consolidation, and rising costs prompted the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to convert its computer resale store to an online catalog that allows students, faculty, and staff to purchase equipment and software through a World Wide Web interface. The transition has been greeted with a mixed reaction. The next…

This article discusses teaching strategies for reading and writing using computer software and Internet-based electronic materials for students with disabilities. Different types of educational software are described, along with prereading strategies, reading activities, and postreading activities. A list of literacy links on the World Wide Web is…

The Internet's effects are spreading. Schools are purchasing computer programs, assisted by state, federal, and corporate grants. K-12 schools spent nearly $7 billion on instructional technology in 2000. The digital divide is narrowing; Generation I kids have greater computer access at home and at school. In a sidebar, Sandra Feldman urges…

Outlines a pilot study to test server software designed for delivering tutoring over the Internet, based on a project at the University of Ulster (Northern Ireland) to develop a master's program in Project Management for overseas delivery. Discusses student attitudes toward more flexible learning environments and the efficacy of distance…

Examines developments in Internet usage in the nation's schools. Discusses educational benefits of the World Wide Web, including cost-effectiveness, child-friendly browser software, and possibilities for multimedia lesson plans and materials. Describes options for collaboration on Computer Curriculum Corporation's CCCNet, the GLOBE (Global…

Describes ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan Internet Accessible Database), software that examines the current state of interlibrary loan borrowing requests at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Topics include system requirements, user procedures, staff procedures, copyright clearance, OCLC, and future developments. (LRW)

Suggests ways for educational institutions to avoid wasting money on software, including: (1) training staff properly; (2) considering the total costs of owning and maintaining software before purchasing it; and (3) finding out if the software will run properly on the school's hardware and network. Asserts that all of the hardware, connections,…

Three-dimensional virtual worlds are an emerging medium currently being used in both traditional classrooms and for distance education. Three-dimensional (3D) virtual worlds are a combination of desk-top interactive Virtual Reality within a chat environment. This analysis provides an overview of Active Worlds Educational Universe and Adobe…

This article discusses the advantages of using interactive whiteboards in the classroom. Developed by Smart Technologies, the Smart Board is one of several interactive whiteboards on the market today. Through Smart Board, starters can write, erase, and perform mouse functions with their finger, a pen, or anything with a maneuverable, firm surface.…

This article describes the possibilities offered by the online assessment system Etude to achieve the benefits of formative assessment. In order to find out the way this works in practice, we carried out an experiment with the use of Etude for formative assessment in the course on collaborative report writing. Results show that online formative…

The article firstly examines the techniques of miniature art, and attempts to identify those which can serve as an inspiration for artistic aspects of today's information design in the electronic environment. It also brings forward the idea whether miniature art could be used in our existing new media education models and finally answers the…

Given the current forms of economic production and corporate markets, the liberating and democratic potential of digital information is counteracted by the concentration of media ownership, as well as by policy, legislation, and the development of proprietary forms of technology. The notion of "intellectual property" produces artificial scarcity…