This newsletter addresses educational reform related to student use of computers and the development of computer networks in Illinois schools. This educational trend is particularly relevant for improving the educational opportunities of rural students. Both the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Planning Coalition for Educational Technology have called for using technology as a resource to support student learning and improve operational efficiency. A combination of communications and information technologies constitutes the National Information Infrastructure, commonly referred to as the Internet. The Internet provides students and teachers with access to the following: (1) networking and collaboration through worldwide electronic mail, distribution lists, and group mail; (2) numerous databases and electronic bulletin boards, through which users can exchange information in the form of text, audio, and graphic formats; (3) collaborative investigation allowing teachers and students to investigate problems and issues and share products across geographic and political boundaries; and (4) resources ranging from curricula to exemplary classroom activities. Because of the Internet, every school regardless of size, location, or socioeconomic condition can provide students with the same opportunities heretofore available only to students in affluent schools. This newsletter also discusses cautions for rural and small schools in using the Internet, information on getting connected to the Internet, equipment needs and costs associated with using the Internet, and efforts in Illinois to promote Internet access for all K-12 schools. Contains 25 references. (LP)