ELECTRONIC PAPER A TRANSITIONAL STEP - Electronic paper retains the benefits of paper books, while letting readers enjoy the advantages of linking to new texts and downloading older texts. It is also easier to read than eBook screens and less expensive. Researchers are saying that it may be the transitional step needed between traditional books and the new digital age. Two years ago, E Ink, produced an electronic paper prototype. Some scientists, are speculating that implications of this new technology may be that libraries will become unnecessary. Meanwhile, work on electronic paper continues. (Technology Review, Mar 01)

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION BECOMES KNOWLEDGE ON DEMAND - Virage, Inc., a provider of software and services that enable video for strategic online applications, recently announced that the University of Arizona is using the Virage Internet Video Application Platform to provide searchable streaming video of select courses at a university Web site. The initiative, which is part of the university's Virtual Adaptive Learning Architecture (VALA) research grant and the Faculty Center for Instructional Innovation (FCII), demonstrates an improved method of capturing, containing, and circulating information within academic institutions. Under the initiative, professors have the option of videotaping classroom lectures and streaming the video content in a searchable online format from a University of Arizona Web site, where students can then search for specific course material and review lectures at any time. The university is currently streaming 8 classes and plans to expand the technology into the new integrated learning center when it opens for the Spring 2002 semester. In addition to university classroom activities, the project is also archiving programs from the local PBS affiliate including a daily news program. For more information, visit http://www.virage.com/ (Syllabus e-News, Resources, and Trends 27 Mar 01)

WHAT'S NEXT: WI-FI? - The new New Wi-Fi wireless systems can transmit seven times faster than a regular T1 connection. Many universities now use Wi-Fi to provide Web access to students without having to install CAT5 wires. Some see WI-Fi next expanding to home use, allowing access to the Web from any room in the house, without running cables. In addition, many public places: airports, hotels, and restaurants are teaming with companies to deploy Wi-Fi technologies. While access points will need to be placed on rooftops, it is argued that Wi-Fi will likely push the limits of today's technology and may pose a threat to 3G services if installation becomes easier. (Fortune, 5 Mar 01)