This article introduces the main outcomes of discussions at EDUsummIT 2011 by the specific Technical Working Group on Teacher Professional Development (TWG3). The focus was to explore how professional development of teachers may ensure that teachers are better prepared to use information and communication technology (ICT) to promote 21st century…

Cognizant of the research gap in the theorization of mobile learning, this paper conceptually explores how the theories and methodology of self-regulated learning (SRL), an active area in contemporary educational psychology, are inherently suited to address the issues originating from the defining characteristics of mobile learning: enabling…

The paper describes the procedure model AKUE, which aims at the improvement and assurance of quality and cost efficiency in the context of the introduction of e-learning and the development of digital learning material. AKUE divides the whole planning and implementation process into four different phases: analysis, conception, implementation, and…

With the growing demand for e-learning along with striving for excellence associated with globalization, there are worldwide calls for enhancing and assuring quality in e-learning, specifically in the context of the developing countries. Such calls for quality enhancement, accountability, added value, value for money, self-evaluation, and role…

The shift towards communicative language teaching in recent decades has created pressure towards individualized pedagogy that arises from the diversity found within any group of learners. One of the richest areas of diversity in target language needs across learners is the lexis of the various discourse communities that different learners are…

Discusses the contributions to this special issue within an instructional design framework; examines three major trends that indicate a shift in focus; and concludes that software training is at an end since it is no longer fundamentally different from regular professional skills training. (Author/LRW)

Learning from worked-out examples has been shown to be very effective in initial cognitive skill acquisition. In order to fully exploit the potential of example-based learning, teachers should, however, know how to effectively employ such examples in classroom instruction. Therefore, we have designed a computer-based learning environment in which…

Discusses the need for continuing professional development (CPD) for faculty in higher education to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to improve online course design. Highlights include key issues in online course design, including course outcomes, feedback, and incorporating educational theory; proposals for CPD from academics; and…

Describes a project in the English Language Department of St. Andrew's College (Scotland) that was developed as part of the SPRITE initiative to increase the use of information technology in teacher training programs. Background for the SPRITE initiative is presented; and a consultancy model for staff development is explained. (Contains 18…

Discusses the inservice training of teachers in Ontario (Canada) focusing on Additional Qualification (AQ) courses. The "Computers in the Classroom" AQ course is outlined; and the future of the program is examined with respect to government and university support and professional development opportunities. (JKP)

Outlines the formation of curriculum policy specific to information technology (IT) in Scotland at the primary and secondary school level and the impact of these policies on teacher education. The need for comprehensive integrated use of IT throughout the teacher education curriculum is emphasized. (JKP)

Discussion of the development of educational software focuses on a project at the Dutch Open University to develop a pedagogical design specification method for educational software that is not bound to specific instructional design principles or learning theories. "SHOC-TOOL" is described as a supporting tool for use with interactive…

The suggestion that new courses can be constructed from existing learning objects appears technically self-evident but remains unproven. Despite increasing evidence that learning objects can provide a suitable structure for constructing courses most evidence is based on creating learning objects, either through restructuring existing materials or…

Describes activities of the Educational Technology Center at Harvard University, which focus on the use of computers and other technology to improve K-12 instruction in science, mathematics, and computing. Topics discussed include curriculum development; students' prior conceptions; the construction of scientific knowledge; the use of software;…

Intended for potential business users, this paper describes the main characteristics of expert systems; discusses practical use considerations; presents a taxonomy of the systems; and reviews several expert system development projects in business and industry. (MBR)