- John Seely Brown, co-author of "The Social Life of Information," argues that online
universities do not provide the social context that makes learning meaningful. Students,
need to argue and discuss, he says. Increasingly social interaction is being integrated into
Internet courses at colleges, businesses and other institutions. Many have substituted a
variety of social elements in their online classes like eMail, chat rooms, and threaded
discussion boards, providing more intimacy among students. The additional tools of
streaming media, videoconferencing and other multimedia technologies will help
make eLearning more like a campus. (CIO, 15 Oct 01)

- Three non-profit providers of televised college courses are collaborating to offer a
number of their videos over the Internet. Coast Learning Systems, Dallas TeleLearning
and Intellicom, will offer 31 online video courses beginning January, 2002. The providers
believe that this method will be more convenient than traditional mailing or broadcasting.
Colleges offering credit may also offer the courses through their college Web sites.
(Chronicle of Higher Education Online, 12 Oct 01)

- A two-year improvement plan is expected for Internet2's Abilene backbone, to boost user
support and capacity. While Abilene now uses only about 30% of its capacity, officials
believe the improvements will ready it for future rises in traffic. Internet2's Greg Wood
said that the network needs to be proactive in order to stay ahead of the demand for
capacity. The backbone will be upgraded from 2.4 Gbps to 10 Gbps through the
implementation of new optical devices. Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) will be used to
support additional users. Financial support will continue to be provided by Qwest
Communications through October 2006. (Chronicle of Higher Education Online, 2 Oct 01)