Describes a study that examined current practices of distance educators regarding their use of synchronous (chat) and asynchronous (bulletin board) text-based communication in online courses, based on an ongoing worldwide online survey of distance educators. Discusses reasons for using each type of communication and offers recommendations for…

Explains instructional syntax analysis, a tool to demonstrate and analyze the interaction and communication between the computer instructional system and the computer user. Focuses on two areas of technology-based instruction: modeling/visualization and online learning. Discusses the rating of interactivity on scales of immersion and of…

Describes the development of a template for interactive case studies that was used for an online continuing medical education course on genetics for health care providers. Discusses goals of the template system, including the production of additional case studies with no additional programming costs and easy updating capabilities. (LRW)

Presents guidelines for moderating online educational computer conferences. Explains how to prepare for the conference, including becoming familiar with the software and developing a contract with students to ensure their participation; discusses ongoing conference activities, including focusing the discussion; and relates common problems and…

Reviews the possibilities of using the World Wide Web for course delivery and support and provides a description of the use of one instructional model, the Personalized System of Instruction, for Web course design based on experiences at Texas Tech University. Discusses problems and describes a sample course. (LRW)

Discusses use of the Internet in higher education. Topics include online teaching and the World Wide Web; online distance learning; instructional design; Internet course development; converting traditional courses to online courses; evaluation of online programs; and advantages of Internet support of traditional courses. (Contains 55 references.)…

Discussion of the development and use of Web-based instruction in higher education focuses on issues of course content; technological assumptions; logistical and implementation challenges; interfacing between face-to-face and online learning environments; and the use of a Web-based course management tool to support face-to-face instruction. (LRW)

Describes statewide professional development programs in Michigan that were developed to train teachers in technology use. Discusses Teach for Tomorrow, which combines online learning with local facilitators and peer support networks; and the Great Lakes Education Network Best Practices project, which combines lesson plans from the Web with…

Discussion of online education and the possible loss of teacher-student relationships focuses on a case study of a graduate nursing course that compared interactivity in online and face-to-face sections of the same course. Considers survey results that showed the online section perceiving less interactivity, and suggests further research. (LRW)

Describes an incremental approach to implementing a Web-based course in higher education based on experiences in South Africa and some in North America. Discusses gradually increasing faculty involvement; faculty support; departmental efforts; the use of email; distance education possibilities; and totally online courses. (LRW)

Describes a case study of a graduate class that investigated how students learn and collaborate in a Web-based course designed according to the current social-constructivist conception of learning. Discusses independent and collaborative activities; how student learn to use technology; communication; student preferences; learner differences;…

Describes an online professional development course for K-12 educators in which teachers explore use of the Internet, including Internet communication tools, creating online resources, and curriculum integration. Includes independent research, sharing found resources, developing criteria for Web site evaluation, and creating and publishing their…