The possibility of being always connected to the Internet and/or the mobile network (hence the term "always-on") is increasingly blurring the borderline between physical and digital spaces, introducing a new concept of space, known as "hybrid." Innovative forms of teaching have been developing in hybrid spaces for some time…

Many studies have been conducted on the topics of tools, computers, and technology designed to promote student learning. However, researchers have rarely raised the critical issue of the lack of consensus on conceptualizing "cognitive tools" or the possible challenges associated with previous definitions. By examining the limitations on research…

The design of online learning environments is a complicated process because it entails the use of technological tools to mediate the various forms of interaction situated in the learning process. One possible way to help reduce such complication inherent in various forms of interaction is to look at design as a problem-solving activity. This means…

Profitable creative ideas can emerge from within virtually any phase of the instructional design and development process. However, the design of user interactions is perhaps where learners can most directly experience the benefits of such ideas. In this article, the authors discuss principles of learner interaction as found in the instructional…

The rapid development of emerging technologies has resulted in the availability of a number of information and communication technologies (ICT) tools. Teachers must have the competency to choose and integrate proper tools into teaching and learning. Over the years, a number of conceptual models have been developed to guide the process of ICT…

Learning is a social activity, which requires interactions with the environment, tools, people, and also ourselves (e.g., our previous experiences). Each interaction provides different meanings to learners, and the associated emotion affects their learning and performance. With the premise that emotion and cognition are distributed, the authors…

"Second Life" is a popular example of an immersive, three-dimensional, virtual world. Inhabitants of "Second Life" often describe their experiences in-world as having great social presence. Certainly there is a good deal of potential for education and training to occur in multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs), if designed properly, especially…

The rapid growth of technology has made online tools available for education. The ability to discern the characteristics of these tools and to use them appropriately for educational purposes has become increasingly critical. Weblogs and discussion forums are among those up-and-coming tools that have great potential in supporting learning. They…

For those with a vested interest in online technologies for learning, the knowledge and skills that constitute successful participation in massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) places these games squarely among the most promising new digital technologies to date. In this article, the author broadly outlines the qualitative results of a two and…

Recently, attention has been paid to computer and video games as a medium for learning. This article provides a way of conceptualizing them as possibility spaces for learning. It provides an overview of two research programs: (1) an after-school program using commercial games to develop deep expertise in game play and game creation, and (2) an…

Discusses the lack of progress in creating valuable electronic learning (e-leaning) experiences and considers reasons for it, including the lack of incorporating appropriate media. Explains the need to focus on learner-centric instructional design rather than content-centric design and considers good interactions, challenging the learner, and…

The author suggests that technology itself is neither humanizing nor dehumanizing in education. Instead, he proposes that only the people, the teachers or the institutions which use (or do not use) the technology have this influence." (Author/AK)

Discusses elements that help define the term "quality" in distance education, emphasizing the need for interaction between all components in the process. Topics include three generations of distance education; quality as process management; the relationship between technology, interactivity, and quality; cost-quality ratio; and…

This article discusses the importance of private interactions, in which a student works alone with learning materials, and public interactions, in which a group of students engage in discourse around learning materials. While traditional technology requires that designers choose one type of interaction over another, the authors show how handheld…

Discusses current trends in Internet usage (hypertext, delivery of multimedia, true interactivity) and proposes the PREDICTION (PREsentation, Dynamic Interaction, and Communication) model which formalizes the Internet's dynamic capabilities which should be exploited if its potential as educational technology is to be realized. (PEN)