Discusses the creation and expansion of the Internet from it's beginning in May 1961 with Leonard Kleinrock's MIT dissertation "Information Flow in Large Communications Nets", the first paper written on packet-switching (PS) theory-the fundamental element that makes the Internet possible. Includes the history, growth, connection, use and…

Considers the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report on Internet access and the rapidly growing importance of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) in education. Highlights include school access to the Internet; classroom access; types of connections; home access; special hardware and software for students with disabilities; and…

Discusses Internet access in public schools, home access to computers, and the role of libraries in promoting information access and information literacy. Includes useful Web sites that contain information and resources to help libraries implement "Information Power" and information literacy standards. (LRW)

Discusses the growth of electronic commerce as well as electronic education and suggests ways that schools and public libraries can help overcome inequity of access. Highlights include access to the Internet and computers; educational levels; Blacks; race and ethnic origin; rural access; use of the Internet; and income. (LRW)

Considers the effects of an electronic environment on students and the role of the school library media specialist in student achievement. Topics include how students learn differently as a result of computer access; interactivity in mass media; political aspects of educational technology; and whether technological changes are good or bad. (LRW)

Discusses "ubiquitous connectivity." Suggests that technology can help make community a global concept, but that the human element is necessary for the content and the context. Cites examples from the literature that deal with classroom connectivity; using technology once connected; and role of the school library in extending…