Discusses three electronic conferencing tools that apprentice novice learners and encourage them to interact and grapple with alternative perspectives. Technical details of each tool are described, along with 1 instance where all 3 technologies were united, resulting in a highly interactive conversation shared by over 30 people at 4 different…

Proposes a model for transforming equivalency in education from a unit of measurement focused on time in the classroom to one focused on learner achievement. While allowing time and location to vary across courses and academic programs, the Capabilities Based Educational Equivalency (CBEE) Units model permits the valid comparison of student…

Discusses the concept of a Virtual Company--a collaborative, distributed learning environment built on the notions of competence-based, constructivist, open learning, and distance education. It features an authentic, role-playing game that is strongly modeled upon the functional structures of real-life companies. Outlines the set-up of a Virtual…

Presents guidelines for effective distance education planning that confront the issues of planning/organization, technology, and faculty development/academic policies. Concludes that understanding the unique characteristics and constraints of any particular program or target audience is the first step in selecting appropriate distance education…

General guidelines that can further assist the molding of successful, high-quality, Web-based training for adult learners include: learner-centered curriculum; pedagogically appropriate activities; clearly defined objectives, goals, and expectations; easily accessible content; content in multiple formats; sense of community; shorter, focused…

Discusses how the Web is used and applied in online learning in Taiwan. Presents five different aspects of how Web-based online learning is facilitated--courseware-, theory-, instruction-, community- and assessment-oriented--with detailed descriptions of projects implemented over the last several years. Emphasizes a call for a localized approach…

Argues that the tendency to focus on the technical aspects of distance learning contributes to the infrequency of distance learning methods usage in education and training. Discusses the technical and human dimensions of distance learning, resistance to change, user perspective, and inertia and entropy. Outlines 10 human dimension principles…

Compares the negative attitudes of professors toward pressure to integrate information technology to similar reactions to audiovisual materials 30 years ago. Presents a case study conducted at the University of Central Florida, outlining student and teacher reactions to Web-based courses. Suggests that faculty should maintain a proactive outlook…

Analyzes three applications of online learning and technology in South Korea: development of single-mode virtual universities; online education in conventional universities; and Web-based corporate training. Concludes with principles of online learning derived from experiences in implementing such environments. (AEF)