The Unified Network of Informatics in Teacher Education (UNITE) is intended to establish a cooperative environment for exchanging ideas and computing resources among school administrators, teachers, interns (student teachers), and teacher educators who are separated by physical distances. A primary objective of the initial phase was to investigate approaches to linking the network's administrative, methodological, and instructional resources. Located in the University of Kansas School of Education, UNITE's hub consists of a primary distribution computer and a local area network tailored for the development of a range of educational resources including those that use CD-ROM and interactive video technologies. The distribution computer is currently linked to Macintosh stations in 16 Kansas schools. HyperCard was selected as the primary development environment for the UNITE software for information retrieval, called the "Resource Navigator." The electronic mail component of the system was used for a three-stage formative evaluation with two Critic SIGs for user feedback, one for making suggestions for the message system and the other for making changes to the Navigator and Resource Catalogs. These messages proved useful in making upgrades to the system software, including the addition of a feature that allows users to enter local materials in the resource catalogs. Electronic networks may serve as useful tools both for gathering evaluations and for conducting rapid modifications to information management systems; however, the development strategies must also consider the social and psychological impact of adjusting the Information Age. The publication of community-based resources that are relevant to user needs and allow educator participation may facilitate acceptance of technological innovations. Examples of three UNITE screens are appended. (48 references) (BBM)