This report, the fourth in the "Falling through the Net" series, measures the extent of computer and Internet connection among U.S. households and individuals. The data, obtained from Bureau of the Census statistics and interviews with 48,000 households, show that digital inclusion is rapidly increasing--households with Internet access soared by…

Communities have a wealth of technology resources and history on which to draw in thinking about and using technology in ways that support their values and goals. The technology connections that exist in a community may not be obvious, however. The activities presented in this guide are designed to help identify some of those connections and…

The purpose of this study was twofold: a) to test the hypothesis that participation in a course providing theory and practice in the classroom use of technology engenders such use and results in gained competence in the use of this technology; and b) to test the hypothesis that functional relations exist among the availability of technology in the…

Discussion of how to support schools in the use of technology focuses on the Hanau Model Schools Partnership in Germany, supported by TERC and the National Science Foundation, that was developed to create broad technological access in schools and to support teachers in developing connections between the technology and the curriculum. (LRW)

Examines the global digital divide, with tables of data that document the wide disparity between the world's information-rich and information-deprived. Highlights include how it affects educational opportunity; cost issues; causes of the divide; and strategies for successful educational technology use, including appropriate project design,…

Addresses the issue of information literacy as it applies to general education, arguing that information literacy will be an integral part of culture and a cultural change agent in the 21st century. Suggests the incorporation of the visual and aural into the idea of text changes the static nature of texts, leading to the need for multimedia…

Describes results of a comparative analysis that investigated the causes of the digital divide between two public high schools in New Hampshire and recommends solutions to the inequities in students' access to technological innovations. Topics include Internet use; teacher training in technology; and funding, including federal aid. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the concept of information democracy, or access to information, in relation to information delivery; computerized community-based information systems, including grass-roots nonprofit organizations and private sector activities; the National Information Infrastructure (NII); empowerment; concepts of social justice; and designing the NII.…

Considers ways to plan for Internet access based on experiences at Conestoga High School (Pennsylvania). Topics include dial up, mediated access versus direct connection; fees; Internet services, including e-mail accounts; support services; Internet use policy; and integrating Internet use into the curriculum. (LRW)

Focuses on making Web sites accessible for blind and visually impaired people. Discusses the possibility of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) becoming applicable to Web sites; tools that allow the visually impaired to use computers and the Web; 18 guidelines for designing an effective, accessible, and maintainable Web site; and testing for…

Discusses the results of a survey of National Capital FreeNet users in Ottawa (Canada) that explores demographic characteristics, access methods, and levels of satisfaction. Results suggest that the community network has a broad appeal and that current and future online services may have significant impacts on individuals and society. (Author/LRW)

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…

Describes new federal programs designed to support access to educational technology for all children. Programs relate to: school and library access; community access; distance learning; professional development; capacity building; innovation; research; and technical assistance. The programs tend to focus on teachers and involve cooperation between…

Examines the role that public libraries can play in the Australian government's objective of developing a network literate society. Highlights include an historical perspective; national infrastructures and government agendas; social equity; equitable access and user fees; Internet-related roles and service directions; and implications for further…

States that many of the accommodations typically made for students with disabilities can benefit all students--most, for example, can benefit from extended time or alternative test formats. Asserts that Universal Instructional Design (UID) can be applied to all students, as it takes into consideration the differences in learning styles of both…