The paper discusses three aspects central to the 10 year-old process of design, development and use of E-slate, a construction kit for educational software. These are: (1) the design of computational media for user empowerment, (2) the socially-grounded approach to the building of user communities and (3) the issue of long-term sustainability as…

This study investigated the effectiveness of different types of feedback content (elaborate versus global) and feedback timing (immediate versus delayed) for learning genetics in a web-based learning environment as a function of learners' prior knowledge. It was hypothesized that learning outcomes of students with low prior knowledge would be…

Many issues have been identified in outdoor teaching, especially in places that lack the capacity to effectively present information about such subjects as historical relics, rare animals, and geological landscapes. This study proposes an Environment of Ubiquitous Learning with Educational Resources (EULER) based on radio frequency identification…

This article investigates conditions for increasing active participation in on-line communities. As a case study, we use three generations of facilities designed to promote learning in the area of Educational Modelling Languages. Following a description of early experience with a conventional web site and with a community site offering facilities…

This article focuses on an evaluation of the impact of an innovative instructional design of internships in view of a new integrated pharmaceutical curriculum. A key innovative element was the implementation of a computer-supported collaborative learning environment. Students were, as part of their formal curriculum, expected to work in a…

Examines how to design interactive multimedia learning environments to provide necessary support for developing higher level cognitive skills. Describes an approach of engaging learners as multimedia designers using project-based learning and investigated the effects on cognitive skill development in high school, middle school, and elementary…

Describes a study focusing on the role of chalkboards in classroom science talk. Discusses similarities of the overall structure of the whole-class conversation with scientific laboratory talk. Suggests implications for design of technologies that allow larger numbers of students to participate in whole-class sense-making conversations.…

Online education is used for a variety of purposes in higher education. Two such purposes are improving one's performance over time and understanding one's professional development in the context of online teaching and learning. Relying on data from online staff development courses delivered in five Spanish universities, this article explores…

Describes computing access in public spaces (CAPS) and presents a case study of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) Learning Center, including the design, implementation, and testing prior to its installation. Characteristics of CAPS are discussed, and guidelines for the USHMM Learning Center are explained. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Explores the use of a cyberspace technology, i.e., computer conferencing, to support collaborative learning in courses at two Canadian universities. Instructional design for online learning is examined, including course design, learning tasks, group size, and course requirements; problems are identified; and improvements are suggested, including…

Discussion of dynamic modeling focuses on the development of a new modeling tool called Model-It which provides intentionally designed scaffolding for learners, enabling them to build and test dynamic models of complex systems using object-oriented and qualitative techniques. Classroom testing with high school students is described. (Author/LRW)

This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a distributed collaborative UML modelling environment, CoLeMo. CoLeMo is designed for students studying UML modelling. It can also be used as a platform for collaborative design of software. We conducted formative evaluations and a summative evaluation to improve the environment and…

A considerable amount of the effort and enthusiasm that goes into the development and implementation of technology-mediated learning environments often fails to create effective settings for learning. Too often the opportunities and advantages of the use of technology in the learning process are poorly exploited. This paper explores ways in which…

The "computers are social actors" paradigm asserts that human-to-computer interactions are fundamentally social responses. Earlier research has shown that effective management of the social presence in user interface design can improve user engagement and motivation. Much of this research has focused on adult subjects. This study…

Examines the prospects for learning and education through the use of interactive multimedia technologies (IMT) connected through telecommunications to create distributed multimedia learning environments. Highlights include a theoretical orientation on learning and teaching processes; teachers' roles; implications of learning theory for IMT design;…