Discussion boards have the unique capacity to support higher-order constructivist learning and the development of a learning community, This chapter provides ten conditions that support the effective use of an online discussion.

Because students in online distance courses use e-mail (a hot medium) to communicate, their messages often are filled with emotion, causing problems for teachers. This article describes the kinds of messages that men and women write and suggests strategies for course design to help defuse some of the emotion.

The author reflects on her personal experience of networked learning using the approach of personal inquiry, addressing the issue of identity and presenting herself online; experience of participating in the formation of the learning group; and experience using this medium of communication. This is followed with a theoretical exploration which…

This five-part report synthesizes current theory and research on the adult as learner and generates implications for design and delivery of learning systems, particularly those involving computer-mediated technology and related software. "Adult Learning in Context" (Sean Courtney, Jiali Luo) examines the current situation of the adult…