Describes public and private online networks and the characteristics of electronic mail. Reviews the literature on survey research conducted via electronic mail, and examines the issues of design, implementation, and response. A table displays advantages and disadvantages of electronic mail surveys. (AEF)

The National Information Infrastructure (NII) is a web of complementary and competitive information services developed by the telecommunications industry for use in distance education and educational programs. In support of NII, the United States Education Instruction through Telecommunications (USE IT) project presented 12 recommendations for…

School leaders cannot afford to be bystanders in the campaign to rewrite telecommunications laws and regulations for building the National Information Superhighway. Proposes a coalition representing all public schools to demand recognition in the development of telecommunications policy. (MLF)

Discussion of the Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet) focuses on the benefits of Internet access for supporting teaching (based on an exploratory study and a longitudinal study of Australian academics). Results suggest Internet connectivity improves faculty collaboration and facilitates supervision of distance education and external…

Discusses three major consumer online services--America Online, CompuServe, and Prodigy. Topics include: Internet and Web browsers, alliances with cable and telephone companies, competition from Microsoft and other companies, and CD-ROM technology. A sidebar includes an interview with CompuServe's Barry F. Berkov. (JKP)

Describes how the World Wide Web can be used to recognize student talent and acknowledge achievement. Discusses the Hillside Elementary School (Minnesota) project where students used the Internet for research and publication. Identifies educational community groups that can be recognized using the Web, and notes school marketing benefits. (AEF)

Using networked information resources to communicate research results has great potential for academic libraries; this development will require collaboration among libraries, scholars, computing centers, and university presses. Library managers can help overcome collaboration barriers by developing appropriate organizational structures, selecting…

Outlines a model for distance collaboration between business writing classrooms using network technology. Discusses ways to teach national and international audience awareness, problem solving, and the contextual nature of cases. Discusses goals for distance collaboration, sample assignments, and the pros and cons of network technologies. (SR)

Previews the U.S. Postal Service's Postal Buddy, a self-service customer kiosk which uses multimedia computer applications to provide cost-effective and improved postal services to customers. Services are outlined, including change of address services and provision of relocation information. (EA)

Outlines the proposed Public Communication System (PCS) being explored at the University of Wisconsin and University of Iowa to provide coalition-based, nonprofit public access to the Internet/NREN (National Research and Education Network) and associated information resources. Funding, organization, prospects for success, benefits to the public,…

Discusses the social structure of scientific communication and considers the opportunities and challenges offered by the increased use of electronic networks. Topics addressed include the research process and the role of communication, assumptions about the effects of electronic networks, benefits and problems of networking, and issues related to…

Reports results of a preliminary evaluation of the New Connections Program, which provides free dial-up connections for certain kinds of institutions to NYSERNet (i.e., a regional computer network in New York State) and describes a plan for full evaluation of the program. The interview schedule, user log, and questionnaire are appended. (11…

Presents results of a survey that examined the use of networks by librarians in New England. Data are reported on networks used, personnel access, exposure to networks, use of electronic mail, use of lists and bulletin boards, remote access of text files and software, problems, improvements, and future uses. The questionnaire is appended. (20…

Describes OhioLINK, a statewide information network that was developed to cost effectively link and enhance the information resources of Ohio's academic institutions. Highlights include cooperation; funding; the governing structure; and sidebars that discuss the results of a survey of statewide networks. (LRW)

Discusses the National Information Infrastructure and outlines proposed legislation and administrative initiatives that suggest a radical restructuring of existing support mechanisms for libraries. The need for an information and telecommunications policy is addressed; the telecommunications industry is described; and access to federal government…