This paper chronicles the development of Drehort Neubrandenburg Online, an interactive, content-rich audiovisual language learning environment based on documentary film material shot on location in Neubrandenburg, Germany, in 1991 and 2002 and aimed at making language learning more interactive and more real. The paper starts with the description…

In instructional multimedia design, it is often recommended that text accompanying pictures be presented in a personalised style to promote learning. The superiority of personalised over formal text is may be explained using social agency theory (Mayer, 2005b), but it has not been investigated empirically whether such effects are valid in…

This article discusses feedback methods for the enhancement of collaborative learning. It presents results of an exploratory study in which self- and peer-assessments were applied in order to provide students with feedback regarding their perceived individual learning involvement in the collaboration process of face-to-face and face-file-face…

This paper describes the theoretical framework and the main objectives of the European Comenius project MuViT -- Multiliteracy Virtual. The project engages primary pupils across the world in multilingual and audiovisual reading and writing processes through the use of information technology resources to enhance multi-literacies, plurilingual…

Examines the potential for learning offered by computer technology and describes work of the German Institut fur Film und Bild in Wissenschaft und Unterricht (FWU), including database systems for audiovisual centers, electronic communication, digitization of media, and modularized media for interactive education and training. (LRW)

This article describes three connected projects in physics: (1) a very successful course at the university level; (2) a collection of several thousand multimedia materials, its status and evaluation, and its dissemination; and (3) Web experiments--experiments that can be operated remotely from a distance via the Internet. (Contains 4 tables and 10…

Introduces different kinds of meta-knowledge which all have positive influence on the usage of knowledge-management systems. Presents results from a qualitative study conducted in five German companies, and derives relations between kinds of meta-knowledge and the characteristics of knowledge management systems. Only if this experience with…

Discusses educational use of the Internet, concerns regarding acceptable use, and limits to access. Compares differences between German and American school Internet use and offers recommendations from the Bertelsmann Foundation, a European organization, to ensure responsible use of the Internet including media competence, codes of conduct,…

With the expansion of e-learning, the understanding and evaluation of already created e-learning environments is becoming an extremely important issue. One way to dealing with the problem is analysis of case studies, i.e. already created environments, from the reuse perspective. The paper presents a general framework and model to assess UNITE, the…

In this article, we discuss key requirements for collecting behavioural data concerning technology-supported collaborative learning activities. It is argued that the common practice of analysis of computer generated log files of user interactions with software tools is not enough for building a thorough view of the activity. Instead, more…

The importance of the Extensible Markup Language (XML) technology family in the field of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) can not be denied. The Instructional Management Systems Project (IMS), for example, provides a learning resource XML binding specification. Considering this specification and other implementations using XML to represent…

Competent Internet-based library services can only be offered if appropriately qualified staff is available. To promote this development in Germany the Bertelsmann Foundation and its project partner, the ekz.bibliotheksservice GmbH are developing a special Web-based Training Course for Librarians. Progress to date is described. (Author)

This paper discusses the use of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) techniques for computer-aided learning (CAL); the work was started in the context of project Nestor, a joint effort of German universities about cooperative multimedia authoring/learning environments. There are four major categories of cooperation for CAL: author/author,…

Distance higher education for adults, media selection, and country profiles are considered in conference papers. Titles and authors are as follows: "Distance Education, Trends Worldwide" (Lord Perry of Walton); "Adults in Higher Education: Lowering the Barriers by Teaching and Learning at a Distance" (Hans G. Schutze);…

Describes problems with the use of technology in German universities and discusses ways to improve the current situation. Topics include a lack of government funding and leadership, distance education possibilities, available hardware and Internet connections, the need for curriculum development, and introducing English as the working language.…