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The educational potential of computer networks will be realized only when educators stop focusing on technical connections and start asking how educational activities that are supported on computer networks can make a significant contribution to education. Computer networks can contribute to accomplishing educational goals in language arts (by improving reading and writing skills); social science (by facilitating international and intercultural sharing of aspects of daily life, news stories, holiday customs, and social problems); science (by extending the range of observations for solving scientific problems); and foreign language learning (by using the Intercultural Learning Network as a functional learning environment, and increasing motivation for the study of foreign languages in the United States and for the improvement of English communication skills in foreign nations). Among the central issues that have evolved from the collaborative work of those using educational networks are that establishing technical connections between participants is only the first step. An active role for the classroom teacher in designing and implementing such activities is vital if networks are to reach their potential. (30 references) (GL)

A worldwide international computer network, called the Intercultural Learning Network, has been developed to provide students from different cultures with opportunities to work cooperatively. Prototype activities have been developed and tested which facilitate and contextualize interactions among secondary and college students. Joint projects in language, science, and social studies are carried out using an overnight electronic network to coordinate parallel surveys and to exchange findings of joint research. Five important questions are addressed in this research: (1) Is the Intercultural Learning Network technically feasible? (2) Is it economically feasible? (3) Is it useful for instructional purposes? (4) What organizational structures are required? and (5) Can the system support multiple languages and cultures? Findings indicate that because of continuing technological advances, cross cultural activities have become economically and technically feasible. The level of technical expertise needed is reasonably accessible to any motivated teacher. The continuing costs involved are small enough to be covered as incidental expenses by many school budgets. The educational potential of the activities is promising. Some prototype activities have been developed to facilitate the initial interactions across cultures. Joint participation in such activities is a good way to encourage multilingualism and awareness of other cultures. Further research is being conducted to evaluate the long term effects of international networking on students' attitudes, knowledge, and cultural awareness. (12 references) (Author/GL)