The project will establish what the nation's postsecondary institutions are currently doing to support K-12 educational networking, and will create and distribute a packet of materials that can assist college administrators, educators and technical staff attempting to support local K- 12 educational groups and organizations. The packet wil also be useful to state departments of education and other K-12 organizations. Postsecondary institutions will be surveyed, using EDUCOM member organizations and other groups; information will also be sought through various electronic mail lists and conferences. Questions will include current and planned activities in support of K-12 educationl networking; the existence of policy statements regarding institutional involvement with K-12 organizations; and interest in further involvement. The materials packet will e developed through consultation with experts in K-12 networking issues, including known groups with K-12 networking systems operating over the Internet. Support programs involved in K-12 science and mathematics education will be included. Contents of the packet will include: principles and suggested guidelines for institutional involvement; program descriptions (including interface screen captures) for K-12 networking interfaces; an outline of a user manual oriented toward K-12 users; and a "user roadmap" of resources accessible over the Internet. The packet and survey results will be actively disseminated through K-12 and postsecondary meetings and conferences, as printed materials and through electronic networks.
