Subject: The Online Working Session


As you know, doing an online Conference meeting is highly experimental, 
in terms of both technology and protocol. It is also exciting, though, 
to try new ways in which we can communicate with one another. Those who 
will be involved in the Conference online working session will be 
participating in development of a prototype for a new kind of meeting -- 
one that is actually ahead of the technology! 

If you are interested in joining the online session:

1. We need to test both the technology and the protocol *before* the 
Conference meeting. To do so, it is essential to know in advance who 
will participate in the online session. If you want to join the online 
session, please let us know by no later than Wednesday June 11. Also, 
please include information about the type of computer you are using, the 
software you have available, and the type of connection you have (e.g., 
using a 14.4 modem, ISDN, or a T1 line). 

2. We tested various software that might be used for the online session 
-- trying audio and text, and communicating across countries (Costa Rica 
and US) and within the US.  We concluded that the best alternative for 
our online session is Cornell's CU-SeeMe (which can be downloaded from 
the Web free of charge). The audio worked reasonably well but we were 
using fairly fast computers and lines. Text chat worked well for 
everyone, including those on slow modems. 

The final decision of what software to use and whether to try audio and 
text or just text will depend on who wants to join the online session 
and the software and hardware they are using. 

If you have any questions or problems regarding obtaining or using 
Cornell's CU-SeeMe, or any other problems or concerns, please let us 
know. Note that you can download CU-SeeMe free, from 


Thanks!

The Moderators