Messages entering an educational information distribution network may be ranked for an ordered introduction into the network to maximize the timeliness of message arrivals over the set of users. Electronic mail, EDI documents, and broadcast news may be ranked by the users who choose to examine those messages of interest or benefit to themselves.…

This paper describes early issues, events, and efforts in New Hampshire to develop a telecommunications base for students and educators. Six "dreams" of possible telecommunications programs are briefly described, some facts about New Hampshire are provided, and some problems to be addressed are considered. The beginnings of the New…

This paper explores the claims of technology's ability to enhance citizen participation, with particular attention focused on the Internet. The claims are grounded within the larger context of political theory, specifically the tension between representative and direct forms of democracy. Sections of the paper are: Introduction; "What's Wrong with…

Technologies such as telecommunications, the Internet, and computer conferencing and collaboration bring students, teachers, and the community together and enhance the learning environment. Internet and computer-conferencing software (via electronic mail, Web sites, and discussion forums) allows teachers to counsel students individually, deliver…

Describes experiences of an alliance of child and youth treatment agencies whose members converted to computer-based networking modalities. A developmental analysis of individual users and telecommunications networks is offered. Side effects, barriers, and unexpected advantages are delineated. (BB)

Describes a microcomputer-based network developed at the University of California Los Angeles to support education in the social sciences. Topics discussed include technological, managerial, and academic considerations of university networking; the use of the network in teaching macroeconomics, social demographics, and symbolic logic; and possible…

Describes a study that examined the communication patterns of teachers who used UNITE (Unified Network for Informatics in Teacher Education), an electronic mail system designed to encourage curricular collaboration and resource sharing. Highlights include computer-mediated communication, use of UNITE by librarians, and recommendations for…

Discusses resources accessible on the Internet, as well as providing some Internet addresses useful for developmental educators. Provides descriptions of and information on how to interact with Listservs (discussion groups), ARCHIEs (a search utility), GOPHERs (an Internet navigation system), WAISs (Wide Area Information Servers), and other…

Describes new products that relate to document delivery, including a wireless electronic mail connection; multivendor office integration software to exchange electronic mail; analog film recorders; an electronic messaging system for personal computer local area networks; software for transferring data files; voice message delivery systems; and…

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…

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…

Local area networks (LANs) are systems of computers and peripherals connected together for the purposes of electronic mail and the convenience of sharing information and expensive resources. In planning the design of such a system, the components to consider are hardware, software, transmission media, topology, operating systems, and protocols.…

Discussion of electronic mail and computer-mediated communication focuses on local bulletin board systems (BBSs) that run on microcomputers. Uses in education and businesses are described, computer requirements and costs are outlined, bulletin board software is discussed, and echo networking is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

Examines different ways in which a range of computer-mediated communication tools can be used in similar classroom settings. Argues that curriculum design for writing classes is inextricably tied to how computer communications will be used in the class. Presents results of a semester-long study of two first-year writing classes using computers.…

Examines how one teacher combined jump rope jingles and computerized telecommunications to create a cross-cultural curriculum, having students use electronic mail to collect data from and play games with other students nationwide. The article also describes technology tools to link students with an international community of learners. (SM)