"Virtual" conferences can be frustrating when interactions trigger information overload, topic drift, or aimless conversation. Long-distance learning improves when educators identify objectives, define participants' roles, create an ambience, nourish conversation, provide feedback, adjust the pace, support and recruit members, summarize…

Summarizes the results of a survey that searched for availability of Internet sites that supply state government information, reviews located sites, and discusses the shift of state government information from being located at a number of sites to one Internet site. A map displays states that have adopted a single Internet address for state…

Describes how a specific online program, the Online Writing Laboratory (OWL) of Purdue University, aids the teaching of writing. (SR)

Explores the open information interchange (OII) initiative to promote the use of standards in the exchange of information in electronic form. Activities in the European Community, including the IMPACT (Information Market Policy Actions) programs, are described; the information economy and the information market are considered; and information…

Discusses the use of chaos, or nonlinear dynamics, for investigating computer-mediated communication. A comparison between real, human-generated data from a computer network and similarly constructed random-generated data is made, and mathematical procedures for determining chaos are described. (seven references) (LRW)

Provides guidelines for evaluating SCSI Express Novell 386, a new product allowing CD-ROM drives to be attached to a Netware 3.11 file server, increasing CD-ROM networking capability. Specific limitations concerning software, hardware, and human resources are outlined, as well as its unique features and potential for future networking uses. (EA)

This case study of how the museum community is trying to select standards for data interchange between museum systems reviews the work of the Museum Computer Network's committee on the Computer Interchange of Museum Information (CIMI) and reflects on the issues confronting CIMI as it tries to exploit information technology standards as a strategy.…

Provides political background on the National Research and Education Network (NREN). The growth of computer information networks is discussed, including the INTERNET and NSFNET; the legislative process involved with creating the NREN is explained; and the future prospects for a National Information Infrastructure (NII) are discussed. (LRW)

Describes a proposed Multimedia On-Demand (MMOD) system architecture that will support MMOD network services and will have the ability to solve presentation synchronization problems caused by either transmission line delay or any mismatch between the data transmission rates or the different parts of the system. (Contains nine references.)…

Notes that research on the use of networked information resources, like any kind of social science involving the study of human subjects, raises ethical questions. The tension between traditional research guidelines and new technologies is discussed; public/private distinctions and informed consent are addressed; and possible solutions are…

Peer networking, a shared learning activity in which people and ideas are linked in a mutually supportive environment, can allow the sharing of information and expertise, link people who share common interests, test new concepts, verify new ideas, and promote job opportunities. Guidelines for successful networking include listening attentively,…

Examines a continuum of classroom uses for telecommunications, in terms of both their appropriateness and their ease of use for students and educators. Focuses on four projects that involve people-to-people contact around the world via computer and modem. (SR)

It is surprisingly easy for today's students to change grades, falsify documents, or create bogus diplomas. Explores the extent of the problem and offers ideas on ways in which colleges can protect themselves and society from the consequences of educational fraud. Addresses staff training, distribution of information regarding fraud, and improving…

Notes that taken together, Thomas Jefferson's contributions to the history of writing technology demonstrate a virtual "computer." Links Jefferson's development of writing technology to his democratic political philosophy. Argues that this link should interest writing teachers. Suggests that Jeffersonian optimism effectively counters…

Discusses the explosive growth of the Internet, the World Wide Web in particular, and how it presents enormous opportunities for learners to access information; to communicate with peers, teachers, and other experts worldwide; and to collaborate on projects. Considers the real challenges the Internet provides to teachers and to the formal…