The article contributes to the discussions on problem based learning and project work, building on and reflecting the experiences of the authors. Four perspectives are emphasized as central to a contemporary approach to problem- and project-based learning: the exploration of problems, projects as a method, online collaboration, and the dialogic…

A key component of conventional distance education organizations has been the network of local study centres, set up to serve as a bridge between students and the educational organization. With the capacity of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enable direct contact between the educational institution and its dispersed students,…

Technology is progressing at an unprecedented pace. The world of business is keeping up with it. However, schools are being criticized by the general public, which is skeptical about the ability of schools to produce citizens that will be able to face the challenges of the 21st century. Educators are predicting that the current school system will…

The electronic dissemination of information via computer networks is having a considerable impact on educational institutions in terms of the mechanisms that they are able to employ for course delivery. As a result of this, the number of courses that are taught electronically through the Internet and/or the World Wide Web has increased…

Provides an overview of cognitive task analysis-based instructional design (CTA-BID) and its applications in the design of instructional and testing materials for distance education. Reviews developments in education, psychology, and instructional design that complement CTA-BID. (Author/AEF)

Briefly examines past military distance education practices and then focuses on discussion of the Department of Defense's (DoD's) initiative in Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL). Outlines some of the potential problems that should be addressed in the near future and possible solutions towards the goal of implementing a successful ADL system for…

The best learning occurs with a variety of learning experiences; it has been said that we retain 10% of what we see, 20% of what we hear, 50% of what we see and hear, and 80% of what we see, hear and do. Learning to make sense of the senses that the arts address (seeing, hearing, feeling) requires the development of special perceptual skills.…

Students today have an increasingly complex array of educational media that they can use to access educational material. While universities are under pressure to find cheaper, faster and hopefully better ways to interact with students, it is the responsibility of teachers to ensure that these media meet the educational and learning needs of…

This paper analyzes problems and issues in making knowledge of teaching and learning visible and sharable online. It also describes some of the ongoing research and development efforts at the Carnegie Foundation's Knowledge Media Laboratory that advance this work through the use of emerging technologies. Implications for future research and…

Educational publishers must provide easy access to the global information infrastructure for schools and offices. High-speed, low-cost, universally available electronic distribution over telephone lines is enabling publishers to go beyond the traditional, linear model of multitrack publishing. Multimedia materials offer the ability for…

Argues that distance-education technologies do not necessarily bring people close to each other and to the world. Discusses the central educational requirement for students to discover an inner connection to the subject matter and how to hold these technologies in a human balance. Recommends opportunities for students to experience the world, in…

First article in a new series about reflective communities in teacher education that refers to some of the many communities already developing online. Current definitions are presented, and resources on imitating and/or enriching existing online communities are listed. Changes in education and future projects are discussed. Includes a list of…

Faced with declining resources, increased public scrutiny, and pressures to accommodate the needs of a changing student population, colleges and universities look to innovative uses of technology as supplements to and alternatives for mainstream instruction. Faculty are increasingly becoming involved in distance/distributed education. This study…

This paper examines the dynamics of change in scholarly publishing and the impact of technological innovation upon the academic community for which the system of scholarly communication serves as an infrastructure. For the purposes of this discussion, what is of immediate interest is the way the productivity issue frames the possible dimensions of…

There is an urgent need for quality software and digital materials for use in schools. Teachers and students must become discerning and knowledgeable information and communication technology (ICT) users. The school environment has to be fully supportive of ICT, making available expert assistance and advice to the teacher in this rapidly changing…