This article describes a design-based research in an undergraduate measurement and evaluation course. The study employed web-based multistoryline case studies grounded on Spiro's cognitive flexibility theory to improve students' comprehension of concepts and knowledge. The findings of this research reveal that students demonstrated positive…

Describes the development of learning communities within the context of asynchronous distance education, based on a study of 12 graduate students in a course that used Internet-based conferencing software. Preliminary results of empirical data, interviews, and student journals indicate a relationship between learning achievement and strength of…

Suggests research issues of motivation in Web-based instruction (WBI). Discusses motivational issues of WBI. Proposes a definition of motivation in WBI (based on Keller's ARCS Model). Conceptualizes three types of motivation (motivation to initiate, motivation to persist, motivation to continue), with motivational problems related to each.…

Adventure learning (AL) is a hybrid distance education approach that provides students with opportunities to explore real-world issues through authentic learning experiences within collaborative learning environments. Within hybrid environments, designers habitually attempt to replicate traditional classroom pedagogy resulting in experiences that…

Despite the continued growth of Web-based courses, and the great promise of anytime, any place learning, it appears that Web-based instruction fails to produce the sense of "social connectedness" often highly valued in face-to-face instruction. The purpose of this study was to identify problems instructors face that impede social connectedness…

Shares results of the authors' attempts to build a simulation model of the potential impacts of Web-based learning on various university sub-systems such as libraries, facilities, and budgets. The authors worked to identify the major components, values, and subsystems necessary for a potentially robust simulation based on change, adoption, and…

Presents six research abstracts from the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) database. Topics include: effectiveness of distance versus traditional on-campus education; improved attribution recall from diversification of environmental context during computer-based instruction; qualitative analysis of situated Web-based learning;…

Reports on the design and formative assessment of a synchronous distance education demonstration project designed to bring experts to participants at their work locations through Internet technologies. Following evaluation results, a more robust model was designed to increase interactivity before, during, and after the live-broadcast training…

Presents research abstracts from the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology. Topics include: classroom communication apprehension and distance education; outcomes of a distance-delivered science course; the NASA/Kennedy Space Center Virtual Science Mentor program; survey of traditional and distance learning higher education members;…

Provides an overview of current activities in Web-based learning and development in Romania. Discusses promotion of online learning by various societies and institutions; the distance courses based on traditional procedures; problems of the current state of distance education, including shortage of teachers and network administration and poor and…

This purpose of this study was to assist an instructor in facilitating an online course while the class was being offered, and to provide timely interventions for improving the course during the semester. Instructional interventions were suggested and an overall evaluation was conducted. The approach, findings, and recommendations have…

This study was designed to identify the factors that influence students to print online course information, to ascertain whether these printing activities are related to a reduction in various barriers, and to determine if these activities influence students' satisfaction with learning. Implications for the design and development of Web-based…

Survey data from 174 university students are presented, on a scale designed to measure preference for absolute knowledge and perspective in instruction, including online discussions. Results demonstrate a strong effect of class level such that students in lower grade levels reported a greater preference for instruction involving unambiguous…

Six research questions were posed regarding the process of developing a Web-based lesson to examine efficiency (time and effort), effectiveness (inclusion of specific instructional components and functionality of specific technical components), and appeal (anxiety, confidence, liking, usefulness and intended future use) of two Web-based lesson…

High demands on learners in Web-based learning environments and constraints of the human cognitive system cause disorientation and cognitive overload. These problems could be inhibited if appropriate cognitive tools are provided to support learners' cognitive processes. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing the use of…