This article describes how the mail merge facility within Microsoft Word can be used in conjunction with Microsoft Excel to generate personalized assignments for students at all levels.

PEPNet's "Perspectives" is the collaborative newsletter of the four PEPNet regional centers. This newsletter combines each centers individual strengths into a single resource that can be used on a national level. This issue focuses on the following topics: (1) PEPNet FAQs on Web, in Print; (2) Some Speech-to-Text FAQs; (3) Speech-to-Text…

This case study explores the affordances a weblog (blog) offered to "Ms. Frizzle," an urban middle school science teacher and exceptional blogger, to support her professional identity development. The 316 posts she wrote over 1 school year were systematically analyzed and triangulated with data from e-mail exchanges and interviews with Ms. Frizzle…

Current cross-campus computing initiatives demand both access and skill in employing technology as a tool for academic success. Consequently, lack of computer skills can affect first-year students' potential for success because many courses assume students are computer literate. In this study, 888 first-year students completed a…

Incorrect access to Web site addresses and spam e-mails are continuing to make pornography rampant on the Internet at schools, homes and libraries. Collectively, parents, teachers and members of communities must become more aware of the risks and consequences of open access to the Internet, and the distinction between censorship and Internet…

Argues that electronic mail and other forms of computer networking do not ensure equality. Explores the kinds of exclusions that still occur on synchronous networks. Describes certain kinds of network discourse as "classroom terrorism." Provides examples from actual classroom settings. (HB)

For the last year the authors have been gathering examples of how perceived "threats of security" are hampering the integration of technology in teaching and learning. They hope that educators will examine both the challenges of increased security demands and ways in which security might enhance, rather than detract from, the use of technology for…

This review paper examines ongoing research on a range of applications of electronic discussion in a laptop university teacher education program. The findings and challenges of employing electronic discussion are discussed and the authors make a case for selecting instructional models that encourage substantive discussion on the part of the…

This paper reports on the design and testing of an electronic multimedia bulletin board called the Multimedia Forum Kiosk (MFK). This software tool was designed to support collaborative discourse between multiple participants. The MFK supports students' knowledge building as they read about issues, reflect on comments, and develop a point of view.…

One of nine brief guides for special educators on using computer technology, this guide focuses on utilizing the telecommunications capabilities of computers. Network capabilities including electronic mail, bulletin boards, and access to distant databases are briefly explained. Networks useful to the educator, general commercial systems, and local…

Focuses on the use of electronic mail for teaching and learning about social welfare policy processes and compares electronic mail as a simulation medium to more structured computer applications. (Author)

This supplement contains 10 articles on topics that include acceptable-use policies, NetDay, selling technology bonds, a CD-ROM starter shelf, and Internet news. (MLF)

Discusses three types of synchronous writing environments, each offering teachers and students a vehicle for using electronic text to promote literacy-based learning communities: classroom collaboration, networked notetaking, and virtual communities. (SR)

Discusses the differences between computer-mediated communication (CMC) and print or oral communication. Describes advantages and problems of using electronic mail in a business context. Recommends research and teaching of CMC in the business writing classroom. (MM)

Describes a variety of Internet threats to computers and networks used in schools. Discusses electronic trashing; clearing hard drives; cyber spying on Web sites visited; protection against cyber spying, including disposable email accounts; password sniffers; privacy policies; email snooping; email attachments that carry viruses; and hoaxes. (LRW)