C:XE:ES:E Center for Improved Engineering and

Science Education Stevens Institute of Technology

NKIWOR.KJNG INFRASTRUCTURE IN EDUCATION (NIE)

Connecting People and Information

New Jersey lntercampus Network, Inc. (NJIN) Stevens Institute of Technology

Castle Point on the Hudson Hoboken, NJ 07030

Phone: (201) 216-8342 Fax: (201) 216-8344

Email: avega@email.njin.net

AGENDA

K-12 Partnership Conference: Internet Connectivity and Science Conference

The partnership is offered by the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) at Stevens Institute of

Technology in cooperation with the New Jersey Intercampus Network, Inc. (NHN).

AGENDA

September 19, 1997 Stevens Institute of Technology

Student Center Bissinger Room, 4th Floor

Hoboken, NJ

9:00 a.m. Coffee and Refreshments

9:30 a.m. Welcome

George Carroll, Executive Director, NJIN

9:45 a.m. Video: "Connecting to the Future"

10:05 a.m. An Update: Internet Connectivity in New Jersey

George Carroll, Executive Director, NJIN

10:50 a.m. Break

11:00 a.m. K12 Curriculum Resources on the Internet

Mercedes McKay, Internet Training Specialist, NJIN

11:30 a.m. Net Day New Jersey

Preston Dodd, Director of Net Dav NJ

Over

11:45 a.m. Lunch

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

12:45 - 1:25 p.m. 1. Connecting a School System Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN, Jerry Rabinowitz, Media Convergence

1:30 - 2:10 p.m. 2. Connecting a Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN, Michael Dobe, Rutgers University

2:20 - 3:00 p.m. 3. Single User Connections at School and at Home

Dial-up and SLIP/PPP access, Bhupinder S. Sran, DeVry Institute

3:00 p.m. Adjourn

Tr.11ning 1s offered in the conteJtt of NJSSrs panncr m~utulions' profe~\lonal de\clopmenl networks, through regional work\hop' conducted throughout the "me; and through dH.trict wide turnkey training effort, , These "troin-lhe-lrainer" initiative\ urc developing un infra~lructure within participuting districts of qualified Internet trainer~ who wi ll serve as \la ff developers and d!S!>Cmmators of these Internet based instructional approaches in science and m:ubematics.

Olhcr, intensive Jnteme1-ba~ed curricular projccls include collabor:itions in which schools from designated "special needs" di~tricts and high technology schools in New Jc~ey partner with corporations and national resources such as Bellcore. the Princeton Plasma Physics laboratory. the Waksman Institute and the Co Vis proJCCl at 'llorthwest­em University. These 11111iauvcs focus on weather and meteorological ,1udics, molecu­lar biology, materials science, energy, fusion. eleclricity/rnagnetism, and nidiution. Project approaches emphasize hand~ on experimen­tation 111 the investigation of real-life science problem\, the virtual. on-hne u~ of ..ophisti­catcd '"'trumentation. ~uch ru. the fu"on rcactor at PPPL and scanmng electron micro­scopes, and collaboration with lending national scientists and 01hcr professional expc1ts.

In 1.1dd1tion, NJNlE is re;ichmg out to stu­dent\, tc:ichcrs, parents and the community lhroullh the broadcast of a 10-pan. tivc-bour

1clev1\10n series on the lntcmct in ..cience edu.:auon These program' ...:cl.. to \lrengtbeo I ntcmcl literacy and promote the u..e of tele­communications among thc'c con,tituencies in 01dcr to provide more equilahle ucccss to libraries, museums. dalub;iscs untl 01 hcr on-l ine resources. NJ KnowledgcNct hus been broad­c:l\I ~everal times by New Jer~cy Network. v.h1ch reaches viewers in New Jcr.ey. New York. and pans of Pcnni.yl .. ania To date. more than 75.000 viewer. ha,·c watched this "C!nc,, and tapes are avrulahlc to ..chools and fam1hcs through NJN.

For 111ore information about NJN lri, conlact Lbe projec1 office at Stevens ln~titulc of Technol­ogy ut 201-216-5375, via email 31

pdonnell@stevens-tecb.edu. or through the v.cb \Ile 31 http://kl2sc1encc.Mcvcns-tecb.edu

New J ersey Networking lnfrustruclure in F,cJuc11llon (N.JNfE)

Project

Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (Cl F,SE) SteH•DS Institute or Technology

CastJe Point on Hud.w n Hoboken, NJ 07030

l~dwa1·d Friedman, Director Ul!lh McGrath, Dcputv Uiredor

New Jersey Networking lnf rastructure

in Education (NJNIE) Project

A Collaboration.for the /111provement of K-12 Science

and Mathen1atics through the Use of Internet and Telecon11nu11ications

Resources

Center for Improved Engineering and Science

Education (CIESE)

Stevens Institute of

Technology

The New Jersey Networking lnfrastruciure in Education (NJNlE) Project is a $2.9 million initiative funded m October 1994 by the National Science Foundation which aim!> to promote the meaningful use of lntemet tn

science, ma1hcmatici.. and technology educa­tion in more than 500 i.chools throughou1 the ~iaie. NJNIE suppons i.chools involved in 1hc New Jersey Statewide Systemic lni1ia1ive (NJSSI) and those from "special needs" diMriet.~. Based at Stevens lnstitule of Tech­nology. NINLE is collaborating wi1h 1he following panners in the 1mplemcn1a1ion of this project:

• the New Jerwy Statewide Systemic lni1ia1ive

• the New Jer~ey Depanment of Educmion

• the New Jersey lntercampus Net-work (NHN)

• Bell Atlant ic • Bellcore • the Princeton Plasma Physics

Laboratory • the Waksman Institute at Rutgers

Univer..ity • Northwestern University's Co Vis

Project • Educational Testing Service • the New Jersey State Library • New Jersey Network, and others.

NJNTE seeks to create and diffuse compelling, conte nt-rich applications o f telecommunica­tions and the Internet in K- 12 science and

mathematics and to create a community of learner.. among educators in New Jersey who can effectively use telccommun1cauons to enrich science instruction by: providing rcal­world conteitlS for science inquiry: acccs~mg data and information which is used by real scientislS and researchers; eJtponenually eJtpanding the information resource~ available to ~tudcnts and teachers: strengthening rnalh­cmatics skills and logically integrating math­ematics with science through data analysis: and fostering communication and collabora­tion by siudems and teachers wi1h each other and with scientists and other eitpens nround the globe. Outreach iovol~es hands-on 1cachcr worbhops; administrator conferences and dfalogue on school, district, and communny networking issues; and in-school technical support and consultation to facilitate Internet connectivity. By the end of 1996, NJNIE wi ll have conducted training and ou1rcach pro­grams for more than 2,500 educators from 500 schools.

Training programs include skill-oriented and curriculum-focused workshops designed to provide users with the tools and techniques for utiliiing Internee-based resources for commu­nication. research, and curriculum enrichment. An overarching theme for all NJ~IE programs is the dissemination of applications which are compelling and unique to the Internet. Train­ing emphasizes Lhe use of lnternct for commu­nication and collaboration with practicing scientists, mathematicians and other citperts, as welJ as the use of "real time" data. such as

daily incidence.<, of earthquakes around Lhe globe or hourly updates on weather evenlS, to collect. analylC, model, and predict using live data.

Workshop~ empha\11e a "handl>-on" approach in which educators gain proficiency with using 1he Internet and become familiar with strategics for integrating Internet resources into their classes. CurTCnt course offerings include:

• Basic Internet Training (email, connectivity. i.carcrung)

• On-Line Library Resources (full­tCJtt access 10 350 Journals and periodicals)

• Advanced Searching Strategies • Internet Applications for Educa1ors

(collaborative prOJCCts, national prOJCCtS)

• Designing Your Own Web Site/ Web Site llelp Lab

• Ex ploring Meteorology Using the Internet

• Exploring Geology Using the lntcmel

• Exploring Oceanography Using the Internet

• Eitploring Environmental Siudies Using the Internet

• Models for K- 12 ln1crnet Connectivi ty (Admlllistrator Conference)

THE CENTER FOR IMPROVED ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE EDUCATION (CIESE) at Stevens Institute of Technolo2J

CIESE was established in 1988 to enhance mathematics and science education through the effective use of computer technology.

Since its inception, CIESE has received more than $6.4 million in public and private support to work with school systems to assist teachers and administrators in applying computer technology to enhance mathematics and science instruction and student achievement.

CIESE is serving as the lead organization in a National Science Foundation project to create a statewide testbed for utilization of the Internet in K-12 mathematics, science and technology education. This $2.9 million, three-year, Networking Infrastructure in Education (NIE) effort is being pursued in collaboration with the New Jersey Statewide Systemic Initiative (SSI) for educational development. The Bell Atlantic Corporation is providing significant additional resources. The NIE project seeks to work with at least 500 New Jersey schools that are either active in the SSI program or are in Special Needs Districts. The NJ KnowledgeNet public television series of 10 thirty-minute programs on the use oflnternet in K-12 science classrooms is an NIE initiative.

Under a recently concluded three-year National Science Foundation grant, CIESE collaborated with 16 school systems in New Jersey on a teacher enhancement and mentoring project. This project actively involved 39 participating 6-10 grade mathematics teachers, as well as school administrators who must plan and budget for system-wide technology implementation and support. CIESE has produced a series of four 40-minute in-service teacher training modules to facilitate this mentoring process. These tapes are available for use by other school systems and training programs.

CIESE is also working with regional school systems as an SSI site to promote technology enhancement ofK-8 mathematics and science learning. Project-based learning is being promoted that incorporates several technologies, including Lego/Logo, microcomputer-based laboratories, Internet, and data analysis software. Other CIESE programs are being supported in collaboration with regional business-education alliances in New Jersey.

In the spring of 1994, CIESE completed production of 21 90-minute teacher training videoconferences on the use of technology in mathematics. To date, more than 500 teachers from 150 school systems in New Jersey alone, as well as teachers from at least 15 states, have participated in these videoconferences. Produced in cooperation with New Jersey Network and broadcast via the Satellite Educational Resources Consortium (SERC), these videoconferences include live panel discussions by CIESE staff and leading teachers who use technology in their classes; taped documentaries of real classroom experiences of teachers using technology in mathematics instruction; and demonstrations of various software packages.

CIESE is an initiative of Stevens Institute of Technology, a private, independent, technological university located in Hoboken, New Jersey. Stevens, founded in 1870, was the first college in the country to require undergraduates to own or lease a personal computer. Stevens has extensive experience in integrating computer technology into the curriculum.

For more information, contact Dr. Edward A. Friedman, Director of CIESE, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, tel: 201-216-5375, fax: 201-216-5385, E-mail: friedman@stevens-tech.edu NJ-NIE Home Page: http://k12science.stevens-tech.edu

Aug. 14, 1997

New Jersey lntercampus Network (Inc.)

With offices at Rutgers University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and William Paterson College, the New Jersey Intercampus Network, Inc. (NJIN) is a non-profit corporation which fosters the development and implementation of video, voice and data networking in higher education, libraries and school systems in the State of New Jersey. Forty-five private and public colleges and universities are institutional members of the organization. A number of school districts, corporations, and government entities are cooperative members. When founded in the mid 1980s NJIN was supported entirely by the State through the Department of Higher Education. In 1993 it became a non-profit educational corporation which is supported by membership dues, service fees, grants and contracts.

The New Jersey Intercampus Network, Inc. (NJIN) has played a key role in facilitating the understanding and the use of information technologies throughout higher education in the state. By establishing key collaborations with data and video network providers, and by demonstrating applications of such network linkages, NJIN has helped to effect a dramatic increase in interest and utilization of such technologies. It is this "value-added" role which NJIN plans to expand for the benefit of all New Jersey's educational community. The focus will be on expanding participation in networking applications by college and universities, as well as on bringing the advantages of networking to college-school collaborations.

NJIN operates through the Board of Trustees and a variety of task forces and committees, involving volunteers from all sectors of higher education, liaisons at every college, and many industry and government representatives. NJIN defines its primary functions as a broker, facilitator, coordinator, and partner working with the colleges, schools, and services providers to create an integrated human and technological network. An important part of this role for NJIN is as an incubator for the development of key services, which will eventually become self-supporting entities or services provided by other vendors.

NJIN's Objectives:

1. To foster the use of information technology to enhance teaching, learning, services and scholarship in primary, secondary and higher education in New Jersey.

2. To empower faculty, students, and administrators to function effectively in a society which has become increasingly reliant upon information technologies.

3. To facilitate the development of the information technologies of voice, data and video in order to better achieve the mission of this organization and enhance the educational opportunities of New Jersey students and faculty and administrators.

4. To foster access to information technologies by the broadest number of students, faculty, and staff to enhance their teaching, learning, service, and scholarship.

NJIN's Web Site http://www.njin.net

Connecting To The Future NASA Video

Developing A Technology Plan

- Assess Your Needs

- Create Partnerships

- Identify Your Connectivity Options

- Plan for On-Going Support

- Train the Users

- Build Support for Your Plan

- Involve the Community

K-12 Partnership Program, Connectivity Conference, Stevens Institute of Technology, September l 9, l 997

• Welcome

K-12 Partnership Conference Models for Internet Connectivity

September 19, 1997

lVlercedes lVlcK:ay

K-12 Curriculm Resources on the Internet

• Questions That lVlay be Goin2 Throu2h Your lVlinds

• Real Examples of Internet Use in the Classroom

• Compellin2 Uses of the Internet in Education

• Tips for Successful Implementation of the Internet

Questions That May be Going Through Your Minds:

• How can teachers use this technology effectively in their classrooms?

• Will students learn any better using this technology than by more traditional means? • What if you only have one connection in your classroom?

• Is there any advantage to using the Internet over stand-alone software or CD-ROMs? • How can you convince taxpayers or donors to your school that this is a worthwhile

• investment?

Real Examples of Internet Use in the Classroom:

• See the latest pictures taken by the Hubble Space Telescope

• Analyze real data taken from the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab

• Perform a "virtual" density lab in preparation for doing a real density lab

• Get daily air pollution levels from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and compare them to levels obtained from their own air sampling tests

• Compare water quality results from tests in a local river to readings obtained by students at other locations around the country

• Correspond with a wind turbine manufacturer to determine the best type of design to determine the best type of design to use in constructing a scaled, model wind turbine

• Keep up-to-date with national and local environmental legislation that is in the works

Compelling Uses of the Internet in Education:

• Continuously Updated Real Time Data • Communication and Collaboration with Peers and Experts • Publishing Student Work to the World • Sources of Unique Information

(http://k12science.stevens-tech.edu/training/connconf/compelling.html)

Tips for Successful Implementation of the Internet:

• Get a fast and reliable connection to the Internet • Develop or participate in projects that use the Internet for unique and

compelling purposes • Provide teacher training and on-going support

New Jersey lntercampus Network, Inc. (NJIN)

EVALUATION FORM FOR K-12 Partnership Program

Internet Connectivity and Science Conference September 19, 1997

Directions: Please take a few moments to let us know how we're doing. Your feedback and comments are very important to us. The information will be used to identify ways for us to continuously improve our connectivity conferences. Thank you ©

Name (optional): _______________________ _ Institution:

---------------------------~

1. How effective was the program?

[]Excellent [] Very Good [] Good []Fair []Poor

2. How would you rate your time spent and benefits gained?

[]Excellent [] Very Good [] Good []Fair []Poor

3. Please check the afternoon sessions you attended: __ Single User Connections at School and Home __ Connecting a Local Area Network (LAN) __ Connecting a School Systems Wide Area Network (WAN)

4. Comments:

5. Suggested follow-up topics for future Connectivity conferences:

Please feel free to use the back for more comment space.

Registration For NETDAY NJ A collaborative effort by schools, volunteers, & sponsors to connect 1,000 schools to the Internet

Check one: 0CITIZEN VOLUNTEER 0SCHOOL-CONT ACT PERSON OcoRPORATFJORGANIZATioN SPONSOR

Name:

Mailing Address:

Tele# ( ) Fax# (

Email:

Employer:

City: School Name:

for·School Contact Person School Name:

Address:

)

Principal' s Name: Date for Wiring:

for Cor~orate/Or_ganization S~onsor Sponsor Name:

Address:

Your Title:

Mail or fax to: NETDAYNJ c/o The Partnership for New Jersey 109 Church St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Fax: 908-545-8573

Office Information:

Date Information sent/recd:

Date Registered:

Ten Steps to a Successful NetDay - Microsoft Internet Explorer Page 1 of 3

Ten Steps to a Successful NetDay Introduction: Here are the key tasks for a successful NetDay in your school based on the experience in 400+ NetDay wirings. You may customize the order of the steps according to your needs. Under each step are references to sections of the NetDay website which will be helpful.

1. Calendar NetDay ...

Let the NetDay Staff know your wiring date and begin to get the word out to potential sponsors and volunteers. Register your school on the NetDay website.

Registration Instructions

NetDay Contact Information

2. Recruit Sponsors ....

Send letters to potential sponsors about your NetDay enclose a budget and equipment list. Include a form for them to get back to you on their involvement. Follow up with a phone call or visit. Collect donations and determine additional funding required.

Where to Look for Sponsors

Form Letters

Sponsor List

Donated Kit Application

3. Recruit Volunteers ...

Send letters or hand out a take-home to students seeking volunteers for your NetDay. Enclose a form and instructions for them to get back to you. Set up your lists of volunteers identifying technical volunteers and check the NetDay site for online registrations at your school.

Sample Letter

Sample Recruiting Brochure

8/27/97 9:41:32AM

Ten Steps to a Successful NetDay - Microsoft Internet Explorer Page 2 of3

4. Schedule a Technical Walk Thru ...

In preparation for NetDay, schedule a walk thru to determine the classrooms to be wired, the central point, the cable runs, and the required buidling preparations. The walk thru team should consist of a school administrator, school organizer, building maintenance person, and wiring technician. At the end of the walk thru outline the project tasks and assign responsiblities to NetDay team organizer(s).

Site Survey

Sample Floor Plan

5. Go to N etDay Training ...

Several of the NetDay volunteer team can attend a half-day workshop for NetDay process and classroom wiring. In addition, download wiring guides from the Internet or join a wiring class online and order a video tape.

Calendar of Events

Websites for Training

Wiring Guidelines

Order Videotape ofNetDay

6. Outline a Project Plan ...

Write up a project plan covering tasks needed for the Preparation, NetDay Event and Follow-up. Create materials for supporting the plan, eg. volunteer waiver forms, handouts for NetDay, press releases, thank you letters, agenda, etc.

Sample Project Plan

Sample Floor Plan

Sample Timeline

Sample Press Release

7. Prepare Materials for the Wiring Day ...

Using the agenda for NetDay and the Project Plan set up the procedures your volunteer team will need for wiring classrooms on NetDay. Designate an orientation room for volunteers and dispatch area for equipment. Show videotape to volunteers when they arrive.

Sample Agenda

Tools & Equipment Checklist

8/27/97 9:41:42AM

Ten Steps to a Successful NetDay - Microsoft Internet Explorer Page 3 of3

Volunteer Waiver Form

8. Order the Wiring Equipment ...

Order NetDay wiring kits and expansion kits for the project from NetDay suppliers. Order tools and wall mounting equipment from any electrical supply outlet.

Kit Information

Equipment Checklist

9. Arrange for the Building Preparation ...

Ask building maintenance support to drill the necessary holes for the NetDay cable runs and confirm the wiring plan. Document the specifications on a school floor plan and duplicate for NetDay volunteers.

Sample Floor Plan

10. Communicate with the NetDay Community ...

When your schools complete their NetDay event, let us know! Contact the NetDay NJ support staff with your information. You can reach N etDay NJ at:

The Partnership for New Jersey 109 Church St. New Brunswick, NJ 08901

or online at netdaynj@netdaynj.org or call 1-888-NJNETDA Y (1-888-656-3832)

Go back to the NetDay registration site and enter the Internet School Roll Call and add your stories to the national bulletin boards.

NOTE: If you have a paper copy of this page, you can retrieve Ten Steps to a Successful NetDay online at www.netdaynj.org/tensteps.htm or contact the NetDay NJ support staff at 888-656-3832.

8/27/97 9:41:45 AM

CABLE AND EDUCATION IN NEW JERSEY Project Descriptions

As a direct response to the growing challenges facing New Jersey schools, New Jersey cable operators have initiated a wide range of innovative programs in cooperation with educational institutions around the state.

Infrastructure The cable industry's premier communications network is uniquely capable of delivering

telecommunications services to the educational community in an efficient and cost effective manner. Cable's existing high capacity networks can move large amounts of information quickly via a hybrid fiber optic/coaxial (HFC) cable design. This state-of-the-art technology can provide two-way video, audio and data communications for the educational community

Cable in the Classroom As part of the national Cable in the Classroom project, over 2,000 schools and libraries

throughout New Jersey are wired for cable service free of charge. This means that the infrastructure described above is already in place in an enormous number of educational institutions. Additionally, Cable in the Classroom offers high quality, commercial-free educational programs to participating schools, at no charge. The program includes curriculum based support materials and extended copyright clearances that allow teachers to replay Cable in the Classroom programs on videotape. Please note that the cable industry has wired the majority of schools in New Jersey. It is not universal because many schools have refused to participate. In a small number of cases, a particularly remote geographic location is a factor.

High Speed Education Connection The National Cable Television Association recently announced this comprehensive

commitment to provide elementary and secondary schools across the country with basic, high speed Internet access free of charge. During the first year of the project, more than 3,000 schools in over 60 communities will benefit from this unprecedented initiative. Here in New Jersey, Adelphia Cable Communications and Comcast Cablevision are participating in this initial phase of the effort. Selected schools in Dover Township and Essex and Union Counties will be receiving free cable modems within the next year.

Communitv Access Channels The vast majority of school districts throughout the state have some ability to utilize a

cable access channel. Beyond this, cable has provided dozens of educational entities with dedicated access channels for their exclusive programming use. In many cases, cable has also provided or funded a studio.

The following are brief summaries of some specific educational initiatives being spearheaded by cable systems around the state.

GARDEN STATE CABLE TV - CamNet

CamNet is an interactive system connecting Camden County schools directly to Camden County Library resources, the Internet and to databases worldwide over Garden State Cable's broadband network. Technically speaking, CamNet is a 500 Kbps, Ethernet-based Wide Area Network (WAN) terminated at the library's VAX computer. It functions as a gateway and is linked to the Internet over a 1.5 Mbps telephone line.

COMCAST CABLEVISION

Columbia Middle School, Berkeley Heights - Comcast has interconnect 30 PC stations at Columbia Middle School with Bell Labs via fiber optic cable. Through the fiber interconnection and a server located at Bell Labs, students are accessing the Internet at high-speed rates. The fiber optic cable installed by Comcast offers the ability to locate information much more quickly than is possible when using a traditional telephone line connection. With access to this network, Columbia students have a world of information at their fingertips, helping to develop their computer literacy and thinking skills.

New Providence School District - Comcast has also teamed with the New Providence school district to provide Internet access to students in that community via fiber optic cable. New Providence has developed an educational plan which will include ongoing communications with its sister school in Japan during the 1995-1996 school year.

Union Township School District - The Union Township school district employs a computer­aided instructional program for its elementary and middle school students. The software allows students to learn at their own pace, to receive tailored homework assignments and get individualized feedback from teachers. Comcast and the Union school system have worked together on a pilot project where fifth grade students have access to the district's central server via Comcast's cable system. This allows students to continue their studies at home - after school or when sick - and encourages parents to participate in the process.

MercerNet - This 2.6 million project recently got a boost from the U.S. Department of Commerce with a $700,000 grant. Comcast, working with Mercer Community College and eight county school districts and public libraries, will build an interactive Wide Area Network (WAN), linking specially equipped rooms in each of the district high schools and homework centers with each other and with each of the county's public libraries, community and state colleges, the Invention Factory Science Center and county special services centers. The network will provide: 1) interactive full motion video for distance learning and community programming; 2) increased access to the Internet from schools, libraries and homework centers; 3) data access between the sites at Ethernet speeds; and 4) an interface to multimedia video libraries within the county and beyond.

CABLEVISION OF NEW ARK - ExtraHelp

Launched in February of 1994, ExtraHelp is a live, two-hour, interactive homework hotline cablecast two afternoons each week by Cablevision of Newark. Students are able to call in homework problems, talk to an instructor and see the solutions worked out on their television screens. The program features help in both mathematics and English at the elementary and secondary levels. The program has been endorsed by the new state-appointed administration in Newark.

TKR CABLE COMP ANY - "Interactive Educational Service Suite"

TKR Cable Company is presenting a concept proposal to school districts throughout its service areas in the state for the provision of an array of distance learning services which they call an "Interactive Educational Service Suite." TKR systems are currently undergoing network upgrades which will allow them to provide these services. They include: Broadband Institutional Connection (ICN) services; interactive video; educational data networks -connecting the local networks (LAN) in each school \\1th a high speed Wide Area Network (WAN); high speed Internet access; and educational access channels.

Green Brook Pilot - TKR Tri-System recently unveiled a pilot High Speed Internet Access project at Green Brook Middle School.

C-TEC CABLE

C-TEC Cable has provided a two way voice, video and data interconnection among the public schools in Princeton which is tied into the network at Princeton University.

TCI OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

In September of 1995, TCI of Northern New Jersey installed a fiber optic link for the River Edge school system, connecting Riverdell High School and Junior High School. The individual fibers were spliced into the Local Area Network (LAN) equipment in both schools which is used for myriad purposes including attendance. The fiber link replaces a coaxial link run by TCI ten years ago for similar purposes.

School Planning and Management Articles - Article 0039 - Supervised Surfing http://www.spmmag.com/articles/feb __ l 996/article039 .html

'·· Rom~

Use-Policy Resources On the Internet AskERIC's Virtual Library Acceptable Use Policies Directory: gopher://ericir.syr.edu:70/ 11/Guides/ Agreements

AUPs on Armadillo, the Texas Studies gopher: gopher://riceinfo.rice.edu: 8002/7?acceptable+use

K-12 Acceptable Use Policies Frequently-Asked Questions: Emailto:info@classroom net and type the words "send aup-faq" in the body of your message. Or use a Web browser to access the following URL: ftp://ftp.classroom.net/wentworth/ Classroom-Connect/aup-faq.t"\.1

To subscribe to a listserv dedicated to the discussion of K-12 AUPs: Email your request to kl2-aup-request@merit.edu using the word "subscribe" in the body of your message. To post messages to the list, email kl2-aup@merit.edu.

Resource list courtesy of AskERIC

Hamburg Central School District's Parent/Guardian Consent for Student Use of Computerized Information Resources I am the parent/ guardian of

OL Planning & Management

Technology February 1996

Supervised Surfing Use policies help ensure appropriate Internet access in the Hamburg Central School District By Julie Higginbotham

The rich resources of the Internet can be both boon and bane to school districts. The Net puts a formidable array of written and graphic information at staff and students' fingertips, but administrators and parents are jittery about its highly publicized dark side.

Figuring out how to mine the Internet's treasures while blocking access to pornography and other objectionable materials has been a top priority for the Hamburg (N.Y.) Central School District. The district's four elementary schools, junior high and high school are relying on a two-pronged strategy, coupling tight supervision with a carefully crafted acceptable-use policy.

"As in so many situations, we're trying to engender good will and understanding--trying to balance value with liability," says superintendent Donald A. Ogilvie.

Lance Eggleston, director of instructional technology, adds: "The Internet is so new, and we recognize the potential for problems and difficulties. But the benefit of having access to resources from all over the world needs to be stressed."

Connectivity Paves the Way Computers have been a key tool in the district since the early 1980s. Starting with a few Apple Ils, the district moved forward to create computer labs and automate library catalogs and administrative functions. During the past four years, a strong technology push has resulted in better connectivity within and among buildings, making districtwide Internet links possible.

Today, each school has a fully automated library and a minimum of three servers, handling instructional materials, the library and a networked CD-ROM tower. Students have access to networked computers in the libraries and in labs, which vary in number from school to school.

Each building is linked to the district's local-area network (LAN); the existing system is a Token Ring network using type IA shielded cable. A recent bond issue will provide money for running fiber optic cable from existing hubs to individual classrooms. Hamburg's long-range plan calls for installing a cluster of five computers plus a teacher's

1-S-

School Planning and Management Articles - Article 0039 - Supervised Surfing http://www.spmmag.com/articles/feb _ l 996/article039 .html

I am the parent/guardian of [fill in student name], the minor student who has signed the district's agreement for student use of computerized information resources. I have been provided with a copy and I have read the district's policy and regulations concerning use of the DCS [district computer system].

I also acknowledge receiving notice that, unlike most traditional or library media materials, the DCS will potentially allow my son/daughter student access to external computer networks not controlled by the school district. I understand that some materials available through these external computer networks may be inappropriate and objectionable; however, I acknowledge that it is impossible for the district to screen or review all of the available materials. I accept responsibility to set and convey standards for appropriate and acceptable use to my son/daughter when using the DCS or any other electronic media or communications.

I agree to release the Hamburg Central School District, the Board of Education, its agents and employees from any and all claims of any nature arising from my son/daughter's use of the DCS in any manner whatsoever.

I agree that my son/daughter may have access to the DCS and I agree that this may include remote access from our home. [Parent/Guardian Signature; Date]

computer in each room, freeing teachers from reliance on the labs. New wireless radio modems are also planned to improve connectivity between district buildings, most of which are currently linked through phone lines.

Hamburg's exploration of the Internet was spurred by a pilot project in the early 1990s. Community members with computer knowledge came forward to ask administrators how their expertise could be used in the schools. Their input helped Hamburg develop the Cathedra Project: an experimental Internet server installed at the senior high, funded in part by state grants.

"The project demonstrated tllat we could run Mac and IBM with simultaneous voice and video," says Eggleston. "We showed that off with a voice/video link to Amsterdam [the Netherlands]. We have since upgraded the server and can now access hard drives and printers anywhere in the world."

The district's Internet access continues to be provided by the Cathedra server , which communicates with a local Internet service provider via wireless radio modem. Remote access at outlying sites is controlled with security priveleges set up by each building's designated systems operator. By avoiding phone line charges, the wireless setup is saving the district a considerable amount of money, Eggleston says:

"We own the wireless modems at both ends, and we rent some space on the service provider's roof for an antenna. We pay them a monthly charge for access. A year's worth costs us about $6,000--and that's unlimited access.

"By comparison, our district's phone lines are billed at a commercial rate, so a senior high with regular 40-minute class periods from 8 to 4 could end up costing $8,000 or $12,000 a year. This way, we get a very fast, dedicated line without that phone line charge."

Defining Acceptable Use Linking to the Net was a relatively straightforward process. Making sure the technology would be used appropriately presented a thornier challenge.

Hamburg relies partly on a strongly worded acceptable-use policy. About a year and a half ago, as a starting point, Eggleston downloaded a number of existing policies on the Internet (sidebar, above). He also obtained copies of the policy used in Silver Creek, a nearby district.

Eggleston distributed this information to members of the district's technology council, which includes teachers, staff, parents and students. The council appointed a subcommittee to draft a policy for Hamburg.

After three revisions, plus reviews by the superintendent and an attorney, a final policy was passed by the school board without controversy last fall.

"The board has a very keen awareness of the problems we were trying to prevent," says Ogilvie. " If there was any major area of concern, it's the whole notion of making people so accountable for something that is part of a normal instructional activity. But again, we're trying to balance the richness of the resources with the fact that we don't know where some of those resources are coming from--and the increasing

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where some of those resources are coming from--and the increasing tendency for the public to hold districts accountable as a result of their supervisory role."

The district created separate two-page versions of the policy for staff and students. The staff version covers such topics as unauthorized use resulting in expenses to the district; equipment damage; use of unauthorized software; and privacy and copyrights.

The version for students and parents touches on most of the same issues but spends more time clarifying the fact that the computer system provides access to networks that are not controlled or screened by the district. This version also details which Net resources are off limits, including "materials that are unlawful, obscene, pornographic [or] abusive." Obscene and vulgar language and harassing behavior are prohibited.

The policy explains that student files on the network are analogous to lockers: district property subject to control and inspection, rather than private property impervious to searches.

Both policy versions also regulate use of the network via home or other off-site computers. They give the district the right to take legal action against anyone who willfully damages computers or data.

Teachers, students and staff who want to use the district's system must sign an agreement stating they understand the policy and will abide by it. Parents or guardians of minors must also sign an agreement, which specifically releases the district from legal action arising from their children's use of the system (sidebar, right).

Parents are responsible for explaining the rules to young students, since there is no separate policy in elementary-level language. The policy and agreements will be evaluated annually by the technology council, and Eggleston says revisions, possibly including a simplified version, are likely in the future.

Keeping parents informed was a cornerstone of the district's policy development. Parents were part of the subcommittee that prepared the policy, which was discussed at several board meetings and in the district newsletter before implementation. The final policy and consent forms were delivered to families by direct mail in an effort to make sure they would reach their destination. Without a signed parental consent, students are not allowed to use the computer system. So far, says Eggleston, only one family in the district has withheld permission.

"One major concern we had was to allow parents who had concerns--for whatever reason--the opportunity to say no," he says. "We tried to address that in drafting our policy."

Supervision and Gatekeepers Careful supervision also helps ensure that students can exploit the Internet without straying into danger zones. Each elementary school provides access at a single site in the library or lab, and students use the system only with direct supervision by a teacher or media specialist. In the junior high, access is available at one site in the library--again, only under supervision.

As the new fiber optic cabling makes direct classroom access possible, site-based decision-making teams will have to decide whether to bring

3-5

School Planning and Management Articles - Article 0039 - Supervised Surfing http://www.spmmag.com/articles/feb _ l 996/article039 .html

the Net to each room.

The senior high offers broader access in its two 30-student computer labs. Here, students cannot be individually supervised during every moment they spend on the Net. Yet, says Eggleston, "We still have constant vigilance on the part of the lab manager and the teacher. They have to have training before they or their students can log on. The lab manager in particular has considerable training; she can tell if a student is off into an area where there's trouble just by looking at the screens."

The district also considered "gatekeeper" software, which blocks access to objectionable sites--usually by creating and updating lists of URL addresses. Hamburg ultimately rejected the idea, however. "The problem was not only the initial cost, but also comprehensiveness," says Eggleston. "The Web is so dynamic that sites that might be considered objectionable tend to move around. Software that is set up to block certain URLs won't be valuable when those sites move. You're constantly updating software and are still never sure if you're protected."

Hamburg officials had also heard that talk in some legal circles seemed to imply that, if a district attempts to block access, it might actually incur more liability than by putting the onus on students and parents through use policies. "We have tried to protect our system, software and students without resorting to censorship," Eggleston says.

Communication Is Key Ogilvie and Eggleston have several pieces of advice for districts grappling with the joys and perils of the Net. "You have to realize you're becoming part of a network--electronic and hu-man," says Ogilvie. "You should survey other people's experiences and gain a good understanding of all the facets of the problem: legal, informational, community standards. Develop a sense of the whole context in which the policy is going to exist."

An involved and well-trained teaching staff should have strong influence on use policies, as should parents, Ogilvie says. "And in the world we live in, you are very well advised to seek legal counsel throughout the process--and definitely before the board acts."

The sooner the district begins discussing its plans with the public, the better, Eggleston says. "I'd stress the need for communication early on, so the staff and the community are well aware of what you' re doing and of the educational benefits for the youngsters--especially since the press on the Internet has been largely negative. We should have been talking to the community for a year and a half, so our policy didn't seem to be a quick decision.

" Lead time is important. You need to develop a real sense of community standards," Eggleston says.

In the end, according to Ogilvie, commonsense techniques and savvy teachers can go a long way toward making the Internet the exciting educational resource it's supposed to be:

"There are many ways to prevent negatives from occurring. Before you attempt a written policy, pay attention to the way you physically locate the equipment and the way you supervise student use. When you really

School Planning and Management Articles - Article 0039 - Supervised Surfing http://www.spmmag.com/articles/feb _ l 996/article039 .html

boil it down, that's just good classroom management."

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http://www.spmmag.com/articles/feb_1996/article039.html

T H E

Hovv to Select an Internet

Service Provider

BY DANA H. SHULTZ

HEffHER YOU are an individual looking for dial­up access or a technology

manager needing a full-time Internet connection, choosing among thousands oflntemet Service Providers (ISPS) can be a challenge.

Many people are unhappy with their providers. LAN Times recently reported that, of 150 subscnbers surveyed, 45 percent switched ISPs during the past year and another 27 percent were planning to switch in the near future.

If you are in the market for an ISP, here are some factors you should consider:

• Speed. Both your connection to the ISP (28800 bits per second on up) and the ISP's internal network and connection to the national backbone (TI or, preferably, T3) should be as fast as you can afford.

• User-to-port ratio. Typically between 10: 1and20: 1, this should be as low as possible to make sure lines will be available when you need them.

Dana H. Shultz zs an Oakland, Calif-based lawyer, certified manage­ment consultant and speaker specializ­ing in office technology and online marketing. He may be reached by e­mail at dhshultz@ds-a.com and on the World Wide Web at http:// seamless.com/ds/.

NEWSLETTER: LEGAL & BUSINESS ASPECTS

• Local access. Lets you avoid long-distance (dial-up) or mileage (leased-line) charges.

Be wary of toll-free "800" access, which usually is accompanied by an hourly usage surcharge (instead of paying telephone charges, the user pays a higher usage fee).

• Stability and reliability. Look for a financially strong company (unlikely to disappear) with redundant hardware and uninterruptible power supplies (to minimize downtime).

• Support. Some organizations need it 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, while others are relatively self­sufficient. Look for a provider that matches your level of need and sched­ule.

• Cost. For dial-up, $20 per month with (effectively) unlimited usage is common.

For a high-speed dedicated connec­tion, expect to pay at least several hundred dollars per month. Price is one area where there is plenty of competi­tion.

Where to Begin

Aside from talking to friends and colleagues, some of the best informa­tion about ISPs is on the World Wide Web. Useful sites include:

• CNET Reviews. http:// www.cnet.com/Content!Reviews/ Compare/ISP/sample.html (lists ISPs by area code; includes summary of services, prices and user ranking for selected ISPs, pointers to Web sites for others).

• ISP List of Lists. http:// www.mindspring.com/-mcgatneyl isplist.html (a list of ISP lists).

a Providers of Commercial Internet Access. http:// www.celestin.com/pocia (lists ISPs by state, city and area code; includes summary of services and prices J.

a The Directory. http:// www. vni.netlthedirectory (lists ISPs by area code; includes pointers to ISPs'

FEBRUARY 1997

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Web sites and e-mail addresses). • The List. http://

theiist.iworld.com (lists ISPs by state and area code; includes summary of services and prices).

By starting with these sites, you can narrow your search to the most attrac­tive national and local providers and increase the likelihood_ of making the right choice. •

3

New Jersey Providers http://k12science.stevens-tech.edu/connect/isp.html

New Jersey Internet Service Providers

Area Codes & Services 201 609 908 Phone Number Email

Provider V

Ad van n y n 609-514-0610 info@aosi.com

Agora Online y n n 201-437-6440 info@agoron.com

Algorithms, Inc. n y y 800-220-0445 info@algorithms.com

Alternet!UUNET n n y 800-488-6384 info@alter.net

Applied Automated n y n 800-959-2660 info@main.ace.com

Engineering Corp

Atlantic Internet Corp n n y 908-758-0505 info@exit 109. com

Baytech Corp y n y 201-858-9544 info@bayonne.net

Bite-ByteCyber Warrior, inc. n n y 908-685-9494 sysop@bit-e-byte.com

Blastnet y n y 908-534-5881 ivan@blast.net

Brigadoon.com, Inc. n y n 800-318-2504 info@brigadoon.com

Caroll-net y y y 201-488-1332 jim@carrol.com

Castle Net. n y y 800-577-9449 request@castle.net

Cen-Com Internet, Inc. n n y 800-923-6266 info@cencom.net

Chester County World Access n y n 609-374-2323 info@worldaxes.com

Ltd.

Computer Solutions by y n n 914-473-0844 sysop@mhv.net Hawkinson

Cortex Communications y n n 201-567-2297 info@cortx.com

CRISP Network Solutions, Inc. n y y 908-297-8290 info@crisp.net

Crusoe Communications, Inc. y n n 201-882-1022 postmaster@crusoe.net

Crystal Palace Networking,Inc. y n y 201-300-0881 info@crystal. palace. net

CSI Online Services n y y 732-914-0167 info@csionline.net

Cyber Warrior, Inc. y n n 201-703-1517 gstrus@cyberwar.com

Cybercity USA n y n 609-890-6347 info@cybercity. usa. com

New Jersey Providers http://kl2science.stevens-tech.edu/connect/isp.html

CyberComm Online y y y 908-818-3333 info@cybercom.com

CyberENET Netowrk n y n 609-753-9840 access-sales@cyberenet.net

Cybernex, Inc. y y y 201-664-8419 info@bc.cybemex.net

Cynet, Inc. n y n 215-283-2460 info@cynet.com

Data Concepts Information y n n 201-313-1845 sam@deccaNet.com

Tech Corp.

Delaware Valley Net n y n 609-228-0008 sales@mail.dvnc.net

Connection

DIGEX y y y 800-969-9090 sales@digex.net

Dynamic Computer Sales and y n n 201-501-0105 bodowd@trilogy.net

Services

Easyway Ciommunications y n n 201-998-8991 info@easyway.net

Eclipse Internet Access y y y 800-483-1223 info@eclipse.net

Emanon n y n 609-858-9888 sales@emanon.com

Enter-Net n n y 908-389-3295 x510 info@enter-net.net

Enter.Net n y y 610-437-2221 info@enter.net

Evertech Corp. n y y 908-665-1144xl11 info2evertech.net

Exec-U-Linx, Corp. n y y 908-536-9528 sysop@excalibur.com

Frontier Communications of 800-724-3713 info@ny.frontiercomm.net

NY y n n

Galaxy Networks y n n 201-825-2310 sales@galaxy.net

Garden Networks y n y 201-300-9211 info@garden.net

Georgetown Business n y n 609-298-2299 root@gbsias.com

Global Telecom y y y 201-285-9099 sales@gti.net

GlobalNet Enterprises n y n 609-399-3645 smeneely@globalnent.com

GoldLink Communications y y y 908-308-4567 info@ns. gold-link. com

Gorgon Internet n n y 908-726-8258 sales@gorgon.com

GSI Network, Inc. y n n 800-GSI-NET4 rnludwick@noc.gsini.net

Hicom, Inc. y n n 201-227-5445 info@hicom.net

Hill Communications y n y 908-964-5204 matt@cuy.net

Hudson Internet Services y n n 201-217-8284 info@hudsonet.com

I-2000 y n y 800-464-3820 info@i-2000.com

I-Way Networks, Inc. y y n 504-596-2256 dtertrand@i-way.net

IBS Interactive Inc. y n y 201-301-0700 info@interactive.net

INJersey y y y 800-232-8884 register@injersey.com

INT AC y n y 800-50-INTAC info@intac.com

Integrated Computer Services n y n 609-484-0889 info@net2.intserv.com

Interactive Netwrok Services n y n 609-227-6380 info@jersey.net

Intercall.net y n y 888-YOUR-ISP sales@intercall.com

New Jersey Providers http://kl2science.stevens-tech.edu/connect/isp.html

International Discount 800-245-8000 michaelf@ios.com

Telecommunications y n y

Internet for 'U' n n y 800-NET-WAYl info@ifu.net

Internet Labs, Inc. n n y 908-332-0500 support@netlabs.net

Internet Nexus y n n 201-891-6969 info@internexus.net

Internet Online Providers, Inc. n n y 908-431-8863 inf@iop.com

Internet-Gateway n y n 609-983-0066 sales@net-gate.com

Jaguar netlink: n y n 609-769-0364 info@jaguarsystems.com

Lowdown Internet Services y n n 201-493-1000 info@lowdown.com

Maestro Technologies, Inc. y n n 212-240-9600 info@maestro.com

:MHVNet n n n 914-473-0844 info@rnhv.net

Microfon Infoservice, Inc. n n y 908-548-7201 jkelly@microfon.net

Monmouth Internet n n y 908-842-5366 sales@mail.monmouth.com

Mord or y n n 201-433-7343 staff@mordor.com

Mosquito Net n y n 609-231-0204 info@mosquito.com

National Internet Source y n n 201-825-4600 info@nis.net

Neighborhood Internet y n n 201-934-1445 info@nic.com

Connection

NERC Online n y n 609-422-8060 info@nerc.com

Net Access n y n 215-576-8669 support@netaxs.com

NET-LYNX n n y 908-725-6099 inquiries@net-lynx.com

NETCOM y y y 800-353-6600 support@netcom.com

Net2K.2NE n y n 609-893-0673 vince-q@k2nesoft.com

NetReach, Incorporated n y n 215-283-2300 info@netreach.net

NetRom Internet Services y n n 201-208-1339 info@netrom.com

NJIN n n y 908-445-3380 www@www.njin.net

NJNet Inc. n y y 610-882-5600 info@nni.com

Novasys Interactive y n y 800-422-6870 info@novasys.com

Nycom.Net y n n 201-393-7090 info@nycom.net

New York Net y y n 718-776-6811 sales@new-york.net

Panix y n n 212-741-4400 info@panix.com

Peak Access n n y 800-340-7325 info@peakaccess.net

PHD Computers n y n 609-694-2511 rancid@omega.phd-computers.com

Pies Online n y n 609-767-8354 info@pics.com

Planet Access Newtks y n y 201-691-4704 info-request@planet.net

Poland.NET y n n 201-393-7090 info@poland.net

PowerNet n y n 214-408-8295 www.pwrnet.com

ProLog y n y 800-804-5783 info@posto:ffice.ptd.net

New Jersey Providers http://kl2science.stevens-tech.edu/connect/isp.html

PS IN et y y n 800-82PSI82 info@psi.com

Pulsar Communication n y n 609-825-4501 link@alpha. pulsar. net

Quicknet y n n 201-871-4090 quicknet@hili.com

RE/Com n y n 609-225-3300 sales@recom.com

Sagelink n y n 609-589-3036 info@sagelink.com

Sigma Internet Services y n n 201-219-9500 webmaster@sigmais.com

Silicon Super Network y n n 201-461-7373 info@ssnlink.net

Sky Web Inc. n y y 908-613-0500 postmaster@pluto.skyweb.net

Smart Tech. Communication 888-762-7899 info@smartec.com

Systems, Inc. y n n

Southern New Jersey Internet n y n 609-931-4580 snip@mail.snip.net

Providers, Inc.

Starsys Software, Inc. n y n 609-931-2188 loki@starsysfw.com

Superlink y y y 908-828-8988 sysmgr@superlink.net

Surf Network, Inc. n y n 800-787-3212 info@p3.net

SurfXpress y n n 201-525-1304 sysadmin@sexpress.com

TechnoCore Communications, n n y 908-928-7 400 info@thecore.com

Inc.

The Body Electric Internet y n n 201-835-9696 info@tbe.net

Services, Inc.

The Cabbage Patch Internet y n y 908-362-5465 paul@cpatch.com

Service

The Connection y n n 201-659-0300 info@cnct.com

The Internet Access Company y n n 201-453-0424 info@tiac.net

The Invention Factory y n n 212-431-5555 michael. sussell@factory.com Incorporated

Town Square Access y y y 800-268-7139 info@tsa.net

Tradewind Net Access, Inc. y n n 201-509-5060 info@tradewindnet

Tronics Web Services y n n 201-984-6522 admin@tronics.com

Ultracom Internet 201-278-3007 info@ultracom.net Technologies, Inc.

y n n

US Highway 1, Inc. n y n 609-758-8640 webmaster@ushwy I .com

UUNET Tech. n y y 800-488-6384 info@uu.net

Vaca Incorporated n y n 888-489-6937 sales@vaca.net

Vi co net y y y 201-7 46-4222 rcestone@viconet.net

Vnet y n n 800-377-3282 info@vnet.net

Voicenet n y y 800-835-5710 info@voicenet. ccom

Warwick Valley Telephone y n n 201-7 64-8080 help@warwick.net Company

Web Express, Inc. y y y 888-WEB-ISDN info@webx.net

New Jersey Providers http://kl2science.stevens-tech.edu/connect/isp.html

Copyright ©1997 Stevens Institute of Technology H B k H l S h E-mail webmaster@kl2science.stevens-tech.edu with problems. ome ___§&_ ~ earc I http://kl2science.stevens-tech.edu/connectlisp.html last edited Friday, 15-Aug-97 12:02:08 EDT

Internet Primer - " Classroom Connect's overview to getting

connected, finding funding, and using the Internet

Getting connected to the Internet Keep in mind that the Internet isn · t a place or a thing, and it

isn't owned by anyone. If you disconnected all the computers linked on the Internet. you wouldn't have an "Internet" left. This contrasts with commercial online services such as CompuServe, Prodigy. Delphi. or America Online which own physical computer installations. For instance. America Online ·s headquarters. computers. and dedicated phone Jines would still exist. even if all their customers canceled their memberships and decided never again to connect to its computer network.

The Internet is expanding at an incredible rate. with dozens of new services and thousands of megabytes of new information coming online every day. New user-friendly. graphical user software and lower Internet access costs make it easier and cheaper than ever before to get connected.

Approximately 60 million people use the Internet in some fashion. However. millions of these users only have access to Internet electronic mail (email) and aren't actually "on the Internet." Email connections are valuable. but without either a "dial-up" or "direct" connection. you simply can't take advantage of everything the Internet has to offer. We'll explain that more fully later on.

The cost of going online To put your Internet plan together you first need to

understand the cost of the equipment and services you will need. You can choose from a range of options. from local

computer bulletin board systems <BBSs) to full Internet access. Going online doesn't have to be expensive. Online costs for one classroom for the school year can be Jess than $300. If you already have a computer. all you'll need is: • A 28.8 or 33.6 modem (about $120) • Access to a telephone line (about $10 to $20 per month) • A subscription to a commercial online service such as Prodigy or America Online. or direct Internet access through an Internet service provider (ISP).

While many commercial online services offer a variety of Internet features. you won't have a direct Internet access. For

10 CLASSROOM CONNECT'M

complete Internet access and a direct Internet access account you' II need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPs offer direct access accounts for as little as $15 per month: always ask for an educational discount.

If you need to buy a computer. the price of an IBM­compatible Pentium PC. with a 133-megahertz processor and I-gigabyte hard disk drive (minimal configuration) is less than $1.500. including a high resolution color monitor. Superior Macintosh computers are now in the $1.300 range.

Finding Internet Service Providers Since there isn't a central "Internet headquarters" to call

for Internet service, you'll need to arrange an Internet connection through an ISP.

An ISP maintains a computer system with an expensive. full-time, high-speed link to the Internet which is staffed 24 hours a day. In turn, it offers its users inexpensive connections. assistance in getting set up. and ongoing support. Prices and connectivity options vary. and several types of Internet connections are available. You can keep long distance charges low by locating an ISP in your local calling area or choosing one that offers low-cost. dial-up access through a local number. Start by checking out ISP listings at the end of this article.

Connecting your school If you are seeking Internet connectivity for your school.

the very first thing to do is contact the technology department of your school district. Find out what they off er or what plans they've made. Just because you don't have Internet in your classroom yet doesn't mean there isn't something in the works. So check it out. Unfortunately, you may find out that Internet connectivity isn't available any time soon. So you're on your own for the moment.

Commercial Internet service providers and online services present various options, and many are listed at the end of this article. But you may want to exhaust all other possibilities first. Check to see if a local university. college. or business will allow you to gain access through their existing Internet connection. Many schools receive Internet access this way. years before the school district is ready to deliver connectivity.

CLASSROOM CONNECT'M 11

The best connection There are several ways to connect to the Internet. each

with different Internet capabilities. The one you select will depend on speed, cost. and the kinds of things you plan to do on the Internet.

If most of your traffic will be limited to email. then speed-measured in bits per second (bps), amounts of data delivered online per second-isn't your primary concern. At 14.400 bps an average email message takes two seconds to transmit. However, if you plan to transfer lots of files. keep in mind that it takes at least eight minutes to download a SOOK file at 9.600 bps, but less than two minutes at 28.800 bps. For use with graphical software such as America Online, or Prodigy, or for using the World Wide Web, a modem speed of at least 14.400 is necessary. A faster modem connection saves time and keeps costs down over the long term. A 33.6 modem costs less than $125 and is by far the best value.

Email accounts For email use only. many connection options are

available. including commercial online services such as America Online, CompuServe, and Prodigy. You'll find contact information for many of these services in the Appendix. Subscribers to these services can send and receive Internet email by dialing in via local telephone numbers.

Internet access limited to email won't give you all the features you need to get the most out of the Internet. Services that offer only email may even charge for messages and restrict message size and file transfers. With only email access, you cannot run Internet software to transfer files to your machine. connect to remote computers, or do global searches for information.

To use the Internet effectively, you need a "dial-up" or­better yet-a "direct" connection.

How Internet connections work When you connect via an Internet service provider your

computer is connected directly to the Internet. You'll need special Internet software to establish your initial connection as well as to navigate the Internet. First, you need to install

12 CLASSROOM CONNECT',.

what's called a "dialer" program. This is software that dials into the Internet through your ISP's computer. To work in conjunction with that software you need to run Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) software to let your computer to "talk" to the other computers on the Internet. TCP/IP is the Internet's computer ''language." After your dialer opens a connection to the Internet and the TCP/IP software begins .. talking .. to the Internet. you can begin navigating. You'll need to obtain a separate program for each type of navigation tool or program you want to use such a~ ftp. telnet. email. WAIS. gopher. Netscape. and others. There are several software packages available that combine these programs into one unified package. In fact. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Explorer include these programs.

Most ISPs offer two levels of direct connections: part­time or full-time. If you choose the lower-cost. part-time option you'll simply dial into your ISP whenever you want to connect. A full-time connection means that your computer is connected to the Internet around the clock.

Most ISPs offer direct connections over dial-up moderns to their host system at up to 28.800 bps. although speeds of 33.600 bps and faster are becoming available. If you need a high-speed 24-hour connection. or more capacity for. say. a LAN connection. a dedicated digital line offering 56.000 bp~ or faster speeds may be your best solution. Another option that will provide high speed access over regular phone lines is to install a fast 33.600 bps or even newer 56.000 bps modem. and ask your ISP to install the same at their end.

Getting direct connection software All the software you' II need to use for your direct

connection is available for free on the Internet. But you'll have to search the Internet to find the version which works with your computer. retrieve it. and install and configure it without the benefit of much documentation and almost no support.

To make life easier. take advantage of some of the great new software that has recently become available. You can buy a commercial software package such as Netscape Navigator Suite ($39) or Internet Valet ($39). For school computer networks. you will most likely want network versions of these software programs. Contact the software vendors and explain your computer network setup and ask

CLASSROOM CONNECT'M 13

them to sugge~t which products are best suited to your circumstances. and have the information sent to vou for review. This is a new and emerging market with dozens of ne\V products coming out every month. so doing a little homework will pay off.

Other software packages are available. and all come with support which simplifies setup and configuration. Several popular boob including The Internet Tn11rGuide series from Ventana Press come bundled with Internet na\·igation software including the basic Internet connection program. Buying the software you need. or a book that includes the software. is really an inexpensive way to go. and will save you hours of frustration and expensive online time.

Direct Internet connection costs

The major factor affecting the cost of your direct connection is its speed. Faster is always better. and a higher speed connection will save time when you·re downloading files and let you get the most out of the new graphical user software programs that are available. In most cases you can easily upgrade to a faster connection later. but seriously consider getting the highest speed connection you can afford.You'll be amazed at how much you'll use the internet once you discover all it has to offer. and you"ll find yourself wishing you had opted for a higher speed connection at the outset.

Individual dial-up Internet connections range from $15 to $50 per month. and business and institutional accounts range from $50 to $200 per month. with some ISPs charging an additional fee of $1 to $3 per hour for usage. High­capacity. high-speed accounts with unlimited usage can cost S250 to $1.000 per month. But always. always. ask for an educational discount. This discount can take the form of waived installation fees. reduced monthly fees. or more allotted hours. And if you· re using only a single dial-up connection. you should qualify for the individual rate plan. even though it"s for school use.

You may also want to consider setting up more than one type of online connection. Depending on what"s available in your area. consider dividing your online time among Internet Service Providers or commercial online services. If you use

14 CLASSROOM CONNECT"•

the combination of a SLIP Internet account and a commercial online service such as CompuServe or America Online. you· 11 have access to enhanced services while saving long distance and per-hour charges. In addition, you'll have access to a wide variety of information sources.

For instance. American Online offers an inexpensive way to read news stories. browse databases. participate in online forums. read Usenet newsgroups. and access the Internet via a dial-up connection-all with no long distance charges. It's the perfect account for browsing the Net's offerings at a leisurely pace at very low cost.

But you'll always want to have a direct connection to do your serious navigating. and to use Netscape and other graphical Internet software. Keep in mind that if you do use more than one online service, you'll be assigned a different email address for each service. To avoid becoming disorganized. and to save you online time and money, consider using only one main email address for email correspondence.

Conclusions Whether you decide to begin navigating the Internet via a

commercial online service or a direct Internet connection. getting started is the hardest part. The intricacies of setting up direct Internet connections may seem a little daunting at first, but ifs worth the hassle. Once online, you'll discover that navigating the Internet and using its vast resources is actually pretty easy. The Internet contains a wealth of valuable information and opportunities for worldwide collaboration. One of the best ways to be sure you· re getting the most out of your Internet connection is to read Classroom Connect. We're glad you've chosen us as an information source about the Internet.

CLASSROOM CONNECT™ 15

Source~ The Educator's Internet Resource Handbook, 1997.

Resources

---· ---~·-----Agriculture (see also PenPages) URL: http://moose.cs.indiana.edu/ internet/agri.html

Anthropology URL: http://www.usc.edu/dept/ v·lib/anthropology.html

Art History URL: http:/twww.ncsa.uiuc.edu/SDG/ Experimentaf/anu·art·history/home.html

Autism URL: mailto:listserv@sjuvm.stjohns.edu Type SUBSCRIBE AUTISM <Your Name> 1n the body of your message

------~·-----Biology Teacher Network Discussion list that links b1olog1sts and teachers. URL: mailto:listserv@ksuvm.ksu.edu Type SUBSCRIBE BIOPl·L <Your Name> in the body of your message

------~·-----

Canadian University Libraries

McGiii University URL: gopher://sifon.cc.mcgill.ca

Queen's University URL: gopher://gopher.queensu.ca

Capital Area Researchers in Educational Technology Email to: listserv@gwuvm.gwu.edu Type SUBSCRIBE caret <Your Name> 1n the body of your message

2

CARL-Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries Public access catalog 1ncluo1ng periodical c1tat1ons and book reviews URL: telnet://pac.carl.org This sne also afters rens of tnousanos of searchable art1c1es via CARL's Uncover service You can oraer documents from it by credit card to be sent 01rect1y to your iax machine 1n minutes URL: telnet://database.carl.org

Chemistry URL: http://WWW.chem.ucla.edu/ chempointers.html

Chinese Information Center URL: http://WWW.ntt.eo.jp/

CIA World Factbook 1995 Collected by the CIA this site includes population statistics info about governments (names of heads of state. etc I. economy. US embassies. and more URL: http://WWW.odci.gov/cia/ publications/951act/index.html

Clementine Space Probe Project Pictures tram space and other into on the Clementine Pro1ect URL: http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu

Computers In Teaching Moderated list from Ireland. Teachers discuss issues of computers in teaching Email to: listserv@irlearn.ucd.ie Type SUBSCRIBE CTl·L <Your Name> in the body of your message

Consortium for School Networking The COSNDISC ma1l1ng list. gopher. and Web site are a must tor K-12 educators. Moderated by Ferdi Serim Email to: info@cosn.org URL: gopher://cosn.org URL: http/twww.cosn.org URL: http://digital.cosn.org

COSNDISC Mailing List Email to: listserv@bitnic.educom.edu Type SUBSCRIBE CDSNDISC <Your Name> in the body of your message

CLASSROOM CONNECT'M

------~·-----Deaf and Blind Discussion List URL: mallto:listserv@ukcc.uky.edu Tyoe SUBSCRIBE DEAFBLND <Your Name> 1n the body of your message.

Distance Education URL: news:alt.education.distance

------~·-----

EASI Equal Access to Software and Information tor handicapped users. a monthly newsletter URL: malHo:llstserv@sjuvrn.stjohns.edu Type SUBSCRIBE EASI <Your Name> in the body of your message

EDGAR Stock Market Flllngs Public company tiling data are now available by email and ftp URL: mailto:mall@town.hall.org Type HELP in the body of your message URL: ftp://town.hall.org

EDNET Discussion List Discussions on using the educat1Dnal potential of the Internet Mostly K-12 issues. but includes higher and adult education, too. Highly recommended. Moderated by Prescott Smith URL: mallto:llstproc@nlc.umass.edu Type SUBSCRIBE EDNEY <Your Name> 1n the body of your message

EDTECH Discussion List Great list on discussion of educational technology. Moderated list URL: mailto:llstserv@rnsu.edu Type SUBSCRIBE EDTECH <Your Name> 1n the body of your message

EduPage Excellent newsletter for educators Two issues per week. Edited by John Gehl (gehl@educom.edu). Email: llstproc@educom.edu Type SUBSCRIBE EDUPAGE in the body of your message. URL: http://WWW.educom.edU/Web/ edupage.html

CLASSROOM CONNECT™

Educational lnfonnation Clearinghouse Sponsored by University of Nebraska Teachers Coliege Lists ot K-12 teacners. software reviews. d1scuss1ons. and news related to education. URL: telnet://tcforum.unl.edu

Educational Research URL: news:alt.education.research URL: news:misc.education

Empire Internet Schoolhouss Resources tor new K-12 Internet users. URL: telnet'J/nysernet.org Login: empire

ERIC Information service of ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center). Send in your questions on any educational topic URL: mailto:askerlc@erlclr.syr.edu URL: gopherJ/erlclr.syr.edu URL: http://erlclr.syr.edu

Europe Link Connect with Europe and link to other nations URL: http://S700.uminho.pt/europa.html

European Community Educational Exchange Discussion list tor training, technology, and science. Find programs with possible interaction with US schools. URL: mailto:llstsen@american.edu Type SUBSCRIBE EEC·L <Your Name> in the body of your message

Exceptional Chl/dren Discussion list tor technology issues related to exceptional children. Moderated by Dr. Bob Zenhousern. URL: mallto:llstserv@sjuvm.stjohns.edu Type SUBSCRIBE CEC·TAM <Your Name> 1n the body of your message

3

------()------FedWorld Federal government svstem at over 100 government related databases Easy to use with !ots at great 1ntormat1on tor teachers and students Modem (703) 321-8020 URL: http://wWW.fedworld.gov URL: telnet://1edworld.gov

Federal Information Exchange Government databases on federal programs URL: http://fedix.fie.com URL: telnet://1edix.fie.com

Flood and Hurricane Information URL: telnet://idea.ag.uiuc.edu

FreeNet There are more than 50 Free-Nets throughout :he world. and more coming onl1ne monthly URL: mailto:info@nptn.org For an Ohio FreeNet URL: telnet:/ffreenet-in-a.cwru.edu .og1n· visitor =or a Canadian FreeNet URL: telnet://freenet.victoria.bc.ca Login: guest

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs} rietrieve a FAQ question and answer sheet on ilmost any topic URL: ftp://rtfm.mit.edu .oak in tne pub;usenet subdirectory

------~·------Geographic Name Server Type in the name at a US city and find its population. latitude. longitude. elevation. and z10 code Lakes. nvers mountains are being added. URL: telnet:// martini.eecs.umich.edu:3000/

4

Geometry Visualizing and exoenmenting with visual ideas 1n two- three- and hiaher dimensions. Very graphical. interactive. and advanced system. A "must" tor anyone interested in geometry. URL: http://wWW.geom.umn.edu/apps/ gallery.html

Gifted Children Programs. research. and resources URL: mailto:listserv@vm1.nodak.edu Type SUBSCRIBE TAG·L <Your Name> in the body of your message

Global Network Navigator A starting point for quality education. business, and travel information. A true meta-center. URL: http://gnn.com

Global Schoo/Net Foundation Top quality school news and education projects. URL: mailto:info@acme.tred.org Type SUBSCRIBE HILITES <Your Name> in the body of your message BBS. (619) 472-5732 Login: guest

Government Legislation Legi-Slate. leading provider of information on Congress and Federal Regulations. URL: gopher:// mudhoney.micro.umn.edu:7000 Look in Other Gophers/NorthAmerica/USA/ Washington. DC URL: telnet://consultant.micro.umn.edu

Grants and Contracts National Science Foundation grant information. URL: mailto:listserv@jhuvm.hcf.jhu.edu Type SUBSCRIBE GRANTS·L <Your Name> in the body of your message

Graphics from Space Graphic files of earth. planets and related sub1ects URL: ftp://gartield.catt.ncsu.edu Look in the pub/graphics/images/space subdirectory

CLASSROOM CONNECT™

Home Schooling Discussion list tor anvone interested in home schooling URL: mailto: home-ed·request@think.com Type SUBSCRIBE HOME-ED <Your Name> ·n tne oodv at vour message

HYPERMED Discussion List D1scuss1on at biomedical nypermed1a URL: mallto:listserv@umab.umd.edu Type SUBSCRIBE HYPERMED <Your Name> in the body of your message

Hypertext Internet Guides Compiled and hypertext formatted by John December URL: http://WWW.december.com/Web/text/ index.html

------+·-----Iowa State University Newsletter Discussion list and ISU newsletter on topics related to computing in education Moderated by Jim Gerland URL: mailto:llstserv@ubvm.cc.buffalo.edu Type SUBSCRIBE ICU·L <Your Name> 1n the body of your message.

CLASSROOM CONNECJ'TM

______ ., _____ _ Japan Information Includes a Jaoanese 1anguage tutor that pronounces Japanese phrases URL: http://WWW.ntt.eo.jp/japan/

John December's Internet Guides Good collection at online guides to Internet and related resources URL: ftp://1tp.rpl.edu Look in the oub/commumcanons subdirectory

Joint Education Initiative List Promotes use of CD ROM scientific information in K-12 education. A newsletter 1s distributed. too. Moderated by Christopher Keane. URL: mailto:llstserv@umdd.umd.edu Type SUBSCRIBE JEl-L <Your Name> in the body at your message

Journal of Technology Education Electronic monthly version of this scholarly

1ournal URL: mailto:llstserv@vtvm1 . vt.edu Type SUBSCRIBE JTE·L <Your Name> in

tne body at your message

K12 Administrators Discussion List Worldwide participation by those involved in all levels of administration. URL: mailto:listserv@acs.syr.edu Type SUBSCRIBE K12ADMIN <Your Name> in the body of your message

K-12 Newsgroups These are from the K12Net discussion echoes They are also available on many dial-up comouter bulletin boards that carry Fidonet conferences. Jack Crawiord Uack@k12net.org) heads the K12net organization. II these newsgroups or echoes aren't on your system. request them by contacting your system administrator. Reach the main K12Net BBS. Modem: (716) 526-6495

Art education. URL: news:k12.ed.art

5

K-12 newsgroups (continued)

Business education URL: news:kH:;ed.business

Curricu1ar computing d1scuss1on URL: news:k12.ed.comp.literacy

Language arts URL: news:k12.lang.art

French conversation tor students URL: news:k12.lang.trancais

German conversation tor students URL: news:k12.lang.deutsch·eng

Japanese conversation for students URL: news:k12.lang.japanese

Russian language tor students URL: news:k12.lang.russian

By and tor school counselors URL: news:k12.ed.life·skllls

Math education URL: news:k12.ed.math

Music and pertorming arts URL: news:k12.ed.music

Science education URL: news:k12.ed.science

Social studies URL: news:k12.ed.soc·studles

Special education K-12 newsgroup URL: news:k12.ed.special

Talented and gitted students URL: news:k12.ed. tag

Technical and vocational education URL: news:k12.ed.tech

K·12 Education Server Educational resources and protects URL: gopher://gopher.cic.net :..oak 1n the CIC Net Projects section

K·12 Goldmine Gopher Educational resources tor students and teachers URL: gopher://tiesnet.ties.k12.mn.us

6

KidLlnk Online Pro;ects Very popular group ot worldwide onl1ne pro1ects URL: mailto:listserv@vm1.nodak.edu Type GET KIDLINK MASTER in the body oi your message

KidLink Special Pro;ects Incredible resources: run by Mark Hunnibe Look 1n the kidlmk subdirectory URL: gopher://kids.ccit.duq.edu

Kids Action List Students discuss what they can do about different issues Moderated by Dan Wheeler URL: mailto:listserv@vm1.nodak.edu Type SUBSCRIBE KIDS·ACT <Your Name> in the body of your message

Kids Cafe Worldwide Discussion list tor students Moderated by Dan Wheeler. URL: mailto:listserv.vm1 .nodak.edu Type SUBSCRIBE KIDCAFE <Your Name> in the body of your message

Kit/sphere Mailing list tor K-12 eaucators A must' tor teachers Moderated by Dr Bob Garlitz URL: mailto: kidsphere·request@vms.cis.pitt.edu Type SUBSCRIBE KIDSPHERE <Your Name> in the body of your message

CLASSROOM CONNECT"•

------~a-----

Liberty Law Library Legal research. related information. A huge reoos1rory of information of all types URL: telnet://liberty.uc.wiu.edu Login lawlib

Library Media Services and Resources URL: mailto:listserv@suvm.acs.syr.edu Type SUBSCRIBE LM_NET <Your Name> in the boay of your message

Library of Congress URL: http://marvel.loc.gov URL: telnet://marvel.loc.gov Login: marvel

Library Card Catalog see CARL

------~a-----

Martin Luther King, Jr. Project Over 2.500 bibliographic citations to works by or about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr URL: telnet://forsythetn.standord.edu At the account prompt. enter socrates. When asked tor response. enter select mlk

MathMaglc Project Telecommunications pro1ect that provides motivation tor students to use computers tor problem solving. Divided into tour age­appropriate groups. Students team up with other school classes for email exchanges. You must register to participate by sending a message to moderator Alan Hodson with information on your class and you. URL: mailto:alanh@laguna.epcc.edu URL: http://forum.swarthmore.edu/ index.js.btml

The MIT Tech Newsletter Hypertext newspaper issued twice weekly URL: http://the·tech.mit.edu/

Music Server URL: http://syy.oulu.fi/music/

CLASSROOM CONNECT™

------~a-----NASA SpaceLink Shuttle into. pictures. and lesson olans related to NASA activities Telephone: (205) 544-0038 Modem. (205) 895-0028 Telnet: spacelink.mstc.nasa.gov URL: http://www.nasa.gov

New Paradigms in Education Exploring new paraa1gms and 1mplementat1on ideas URL: mailto:listserv@vm.usc.edu Type SUBSCRIBE NEWEDU·L <Your Name> in the body of your message

NetTeach News K-12 newsletter available onl1ne lnformat1on of interest to the K-12 educational community Subscription is $15 per year tor online aelivery Printed version available URL: mailto:info@netteach.chaos.com Include your name. mailing address. email address. and telephone and fax numbers URL: http://www.chaos.com/netteach/

7

------~·-----Palo Alto Weekly Newspaper URL: mailto:paweekly@netcom.com URL: http://www.service.com/PAW I home.html

PennPages Penn State University College al Agriculture but all sorts of 1nlormat1on URL: telnet://psupen.psu.edu Login world

Primary School Discussion List URL: mailto:listserv@irlearn.ucd.ie Type SUBSCRIBE SCHOOL·L <Your Name> 1n the body of your message

------~·-----Quebec Information See Schoo!net Canaaa and Radio Canada

------~·-----Radio Canada - CBC URL: http:/iWWW.isn.netJcbc/

8

------~·-----Schoo/net Canada Sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Science 1n Canada URL: gopher:/lernest.ccs.carleton.ca

Scholastic K12 Information Center Searchable databases of education material and more. Suoscnorions available. but basic access 1s

fine URL: http://WWW.scholastic.com

Science Line BBS Telephone (703) 243-7100 Modem. 1703) 841-5111

Science and Technology Information System URL: mallto:stis·request@nsf.gov URL: http://stis.nsf.gov Modem: (703) 306-0212 Login: public

Sendlt North Dakota's K-12 Network Telnet sendit.nodak.edu Login· visitor and use the passwora sendlt2me

Shakespeare Online URL: http://the·tech.mit.edu/ Shakespeare.html

Smarter Student Childrens newsletter for grades 7-10 focused on improving learning. Print version available for $17 subscription: the onl1ne version is free URL: mailta:success@dare.cerf.fred.org

Sama/la News Independent news gathering on political and other developments in Somalia. Moderated from Sweden by Or. Helander at the Cultural Anthropology Department. University of Uppsala URL: mallto: bernhard.helander@antro.uu.se URL: gopher://ltp.cic.net URL: ftp://ftp.cic.net Look in the oub1nircomm/gopher subdirectory URL: news:soc.culture.african URL: news:alt.current-events.somalla

CLASSROOM CONNECT"•

Teacher Contact Database Tnese are very large files listing teachers from around the wand. Graciously maintained by Sa11y Laugnon (laughon@vtvm1.cc.vt.edul URL: http:/;www.classroom.net/contact/ URL: mailto:llstserv@unmvmn.unm.edu Type get teacher1 contacts 1 n the body of

your message

Teacher Education Center URL: gopher:/tstate.vtrginla.edu

Telecamputing Archive tor Teachers Files on telecomputing pro1ects. URL: ftp://ltp.tapr.org/pub/ ed-telecamputlmg

The Reading Roam Journals, newsletters. and other texts at the University of Maryland. URL: gopher://lnfo.umd.edu

TldBlts Newsletter tar Mac Emphasis on Mac computers and telecommunications URL: mallto:llstserv@ricevm1.rlce.edu Type SUBSCRIBE TIDBITS <Your Name> 1n the body of your message URL: ftp://ltp.tldblts.com Look in the pub/tidbits/issues subdirectory URL: news:comp.sys.mac.dlgest

Trace Center tar Disabilities Assistance with computer access for severely disabled. URL: mallto: lnfo@bace.waisman.wisc.edu URL: telnetJttrace.waisman.wlsc.edu Trart1/agues an the Net A w1de-rang1ng collection of travelogues and guides written by volunteers from around the world You'll get these first-hand reoons as interesting supolements to your curricula URL: ftp://ltp.cc.umanltoba.ca URL: http://gnn.com

CLASSROOM CONNECT™

Source: The Educator's ~nternet Resource Handbook, 1997.

------~a-----

U.S. State Department Travel Advlsarles Information on about a hundred countries URL: ftp://ftp.stolaf.edu Look in tne pub/rravel-adv1sones subdirectory URL: gopher://gopher.stolaf.edu Look in Internet Resources URL: http:/iWWW.stolaf.edu/network/ travel-advisories.html

U.S. SufJIBme Court Decisions URL: ftp://ltp.cwru.edu Look in the hermes subdirectory URL: telnet:l/freenet-in-a.cwru.edu URL: gopherJ/lnfo.umd.edu

------~a-----

White Hause URL: http:/jwww.whitehouse.gov

Weather U.S. and Canadian weather conditions, forecasts, skiing conditions. and marine forecasts. Also current conditions (sky and temperature) for ma1or cities worldwide, as well as earthquake and hurricane reports. No login name or password required. URL: telnet://downwind.sprl.umich.edu:3000

9

Free Email Accounts http://k12science.ati.stevens-tech.edu/-{;how/email.htrn

Free Email Accounts Why pay when you can get for free?

How does this sound to you: A Free Email Account

Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's not and millions of people will tell you that you can get a free email account from either Juno Online Services or HoTMaiL, the two largest "banner advertising" supported companies.

Pioneering yet another innovative way to advertise, these companies will give you an email account in exchange for a little information and a lot of advertising. With Juno's service, a little information translates into answering 18 demographics questions about your education level, household income, hobbies, and reading habits. Not surprisingly the companies use the information to make sure you will see ads that fit your interest while using their email software.

Following in the tradition of Freeloader, a software that delivers personalized News and Web Content to your desktop, Juno and HoTMail bring you personalized advertising. The premise is you agree to the advertising and they will give you free email. It's perfect for people who want a second email account, one for work and another for personal use. And, of course, it rings a bell for those who like to save money. Why should you pay for a first or even second email account when you can get one for free, assuming you can resist the commercial advertising targeted just for you.

With over two million combined subscribers, security conscious people ask what these companies do to prevent misuse? Misuse could take the form of" spamming": sending out gigabytes of commercial messages to newsgroups and listservs, resulting in a lot of irritated end-users or even worse-- crashing a network from email overload. There is no sure way to prevent spamming. Instead, the companies put a cap on how many emails you can send per session. Juno lets you send 50 emails per session and HoTMaiL suggests you forward spam mail to postmaster@hotmail.com.

Whether you desire a free email account or not, one thing is for sure. Expect to see a lot more services like these as well as even free web accounts. What will be next? Free Web T.V. accounts?

Quick Reference Chart

D I I

PHONE & EMAIL WHAT YOU NEED TYPE OF ACCOUNT CHARACTERISTICS

WEB ADDRESS

Juno Online l. PC (386 or higher) spell checker, address Services 1-800-654-JUNO

2. Modem (9600 or Good for home users. book Dial-up higher) info@1juno.com

Dial-up onlv mail folders, customized based free 3. Windows 3.1 or mailing lists

I

http://www.juno.com email higher

l. Own or just access to Anvone who wants launches URLS within a

free, Email, HoTMaiL 408-222-7000

computer, any platform. enclose and view Web based universal access to

graphics, info@hotmail.com 2. Need to be connected their

free email to http://www.hotmail.com

email address book, folders, the Web. mailing lists

Other Recommended Free Email Services:

• Net Address http://www.netaddress.com • Rocketmail (Special! Kl2 Students can sign-up for Rocket Mail for Education Program)

http://www.rocketmail.com • IMA1L http://www.imail.com • Emails.com http://www.emails.com • Mailhost http://www.mailhost.com • Akamail (Web and Pop Mail for $5.00 annual fee) http://akamail.com

Copyright 1997, New Jersey lntercampus Network (NJIN)

LESLlE L. CHOW, "Free Email Accounts: Why Pay When You Can Find for Free?" http://kl2science.stevens-tech.edu/-chow/email.htrn (February 7, 1997).

The Smart T.V. http://kl2science.ati.stevens-tech.edu/-chow/webtv.htm

Smart T.V. The Internet without a PC

While standards for high definition T.V. (HDTV) have yet to make their claim on the market, Web T.V. has pioneered a new way to converge your T. V. to the Internet-- via a tranceiver (about the size of a VCR but a little smaller).

What makes Web T. V. unique from all other browsing methods is you can connect to the Internet from any standard T. V. For those of you who get a lot of email per day and just don't have the time to read every single message, imagine yourself reading your email (or doing research on the WWW) from the comfort of your favorite chair, a remote control, and your television.

For teachers and administrators, you can connect a classroom to the Internet and be able to project with your school's T.V. Each student could have a chance to send and receive email or get information from web sites by sharing the remote control and wireless keyboard, making it an ideal medium for collaborative projects.

If you're interested in getting connected to the Internet but don't have a small fortune to spare, then Web T. V. could be a viable option. In fact, Web T. V. manufactors are targeting their product to the mass market. Instead of spending several thousands of dollars to buy an expensive PC, you could purchase a Web T.V. receiver, wireless keyboard, and Internet connection ($19.95 per month, unlimited usage) for less than a personal computer, assuming you already own a T.V.

The Web T.V. receiver comes with a 36.6 kbps internal modem and with the software already loaded, making your connection a fairly simple procedure. So far only two manufactors are producing the Web T.V. receivers: SONY and Magnavox. Both are competitively priced at ($329.00) with the option to buy a wireless keyboard for an additional ($79-$69). However, ATI Technologies is working on an under $500 card that will receive satellite TV signals and will work with Microsoft TV interface, making High Definition T.V. a soon-to-be reality. ComStream and STV are also working on PC cards that will receive satellite T.V. signals.

If you're wondering if any Internet Service Provider can connect your television, you can guess again. Web T.V. Network is the only provider that can connect your television. It's a good idea to check with them to make sure your phone number is a local access, otherwise there is a 1-800 number available.

One drawback to Web T.V. is there is no printing capability yet. Furthermore, without the wireless keyboard you are limited at how fast you can type from the screen keyboard. Very importantly, you will also not be able to run Java applets or any of the plug-ins: shockwave, VRML (3-D computer generated worlds), mpeg, and audio and video capability, to name just a few.

The best way to decide if Web T.V. is for you, your school, or your company, is to actually take a look at the product. You can go to Best Buys, Circuit City, or the Wiz ( commerical retailers that specialize in audio & video equipment in the U.S.A.) to experience first-hand getting connected with a T.V.

What You Will Need:

1. Any Standard T. V. with audio and video capability 2. A Web T. V. Receiver

The Smart T.V. http://k12science.ati.stevens-tech.edu/-chow/webtv.htm

3. Any Standard Phone Line 4. Internet Web TV. Account ($19.95 per month) from Web TV. Network (http://www.webtv.net)

Quick Ref ere nee Chart

I NAME

II PRICE

II FEATURES

II CONTACT

1.$329.99 for Web T.V. • Searching ability

Receiver • Email I Email

1-888-772-SONY message light

SONY 2.$79.99 for Wireless

• Bookmark favorite http://www.sony.com

websites Keyboard

• 33.6 kbps modem

• Email I Message Waiting Light

1.$329.99 for Web T.V. • 5 Individual Receiver Mailboxes 1-888-813-7069

Phillips/Magnavox • Surfwatch for Child 2. $69.00 for Wireless Protection http://www.magnavox.com/ Keyboard • 33.6 kbps modem

• Lineshare • Expansion Port

Glossary:

Java is a programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. One type of program you can create is called an applet. Applets can take the form of games, speadsheets, or the applet-du-jour -- animation. What makes Java special is you can download an entire program for the browser to run locally (on your computer). This saves on downloading time while still being able to benefit from those cool looking web sites. Netscape has supported Java applets since its 2.0 version.

Web Addresses:

1. Web T.V. Service Look-up (check to see if your phone number is a local call)

http://www.webtv.net/pc/locallookup.html

Please send questions to: chow@kl2science.stevens-tech.edu

Copyright 1997, New Jersey Intercampus Network (NJIN)

LESLIE L. CHOW, "Smart T.V." http://kl2science.stevens-tech.edu/-chow/webtv.htm (February 12, 1997).

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