WIDE-AREA NETWORKING IN K-12 EDUCATION - ISSUES SHAPING IMPLEMENTATION AND USE

The demand for wide-area networking (WAN) for education at the K-12 le vel is rapidly increasing. However, there is little systematic underst anding of those factors which play important roles in shaping usage of WAN at the K-12 level. By reviewing previous research pertaining to t he use of computer networks in K-12 environments, as well as in busine ss and the university arenas, this paper identifies issues that are li kely to play a major role in shaping WAN usage in elementary and secon dary education. Technical and logistical issues, issues related to the attitudes and characteristics of individual users, and social and org anizational factors shaping WAN usage are all considered.