Parts 1 and 2 of this series described the educational value of experimental three-dimensional (3D) chemical structures determined by X-ray crystallography and retrieved from the crystallographic databases. In part 1, we described the information content of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and discussed a representative teaching subset of…

The ability to work collaboratively is highly valued in today's workplace. However, collaboration does not often naturally happen in a group. Certain strategies must be applied to coordinate individual efforts and monitor the learning process so that effective collaboration can take place. 34 groups from 4 PGDE (Post Graduate Diploma in Education)…

Various formats of online discussion have proven valuable for enhancing learning and collaboration in distance and blended learning contexts. However, despite their capacity to reveal essential processes in collaborative inquiry, current mainstream analytical frameworks, such as the cognitive presence framework (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer,…

Based on a three-semester design research study, this paper argues the need to redesign online learning environments to better support the representation and sharing of factual, procedural, and conceptual knowledge in order for students to develop their design capabilities. A web-conferencing environment is redesigned so that the modalities…

This small scale action research study investigated the experiences of learners over two iterations as they completed a patchwork text assignment within the digital medium of a personal learning system (PLS). The aim was to investigate the extent to which using a PLS can facilitate formative and collaborative feedback to assist student learning. A…

Describes the experiences of a university professor who has been teaching graduate courses in Florida via the Internet. Topics include course preparation, including an initial face-to-face session; Netiquette for working on the Internet; the importance of technical staff; assignments and exams; and student evaluations. (LRW)

The purpose of this study was to explore the dynamics of an online educational experience through the lens of the Community of Inquiry framework. Transcript analysis of online discussion postings and the Community of Inquiry survey were applied to understand the progression and integration of each of the Community of Inquiry presences. The results…

This article discusses our teaching approach in graduate level Engineering Statistics. It is based on the use of modern technology, learning groups, contextual projects, simulation models, and statistical and simulation software to entice student motivation. The use of technology to facilitate group projects and presentations, and to generate,…

Discusses ways to use the Internet as a pedagogical tool in higher education, with illustrations from techniques and resources used in a graduate course in accounting information systems. Examples include use of an online textbook, an Internet-based project, electronic mail, a class Web page, and Internet searching to find course-related…

Considers the use of information technology as a source of competitive advantage for education service providers operating in international markets, with particular reference to Australia. Discusses findings of a survey of 315 educational institutions in five countries and focuses on the potential of the Internet to provide graduate business…

Describes an Internet-based graduate training program at Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. Discusses the steps involved in (1) training the faculty (to prepare faculty for the transition to electronic instruction the school implemented an asynchronous training programme delivered over the internet), and (2) applying…

Describes the alliance of two universities to facilitate their entry into Internet-based distance learning. Outlines steps taken to launch graduate courses using the Web to connect professors and students. Discusses the institutional partnership, course development, intended audience, course structure, technology, and course evaluation.…

This paper describes and evaluates the design process involved in creating a single problem for online delivery in a problem-based learning (PBL) situation. The paper attempts to highlight the issues involved with implementing the problem in a completely distributed environment through a narrative about the design of the problem within an…

A case study of an online masters course in public finance administration, conducted primarily through texts and electronic bulletin boards with no face-to-face contact, found advantages (time and space independence) and disadvantages (lack of interaction with instructors) for both faculty and students. Although student grades equaled those in…

Describes an experimental distance-education course aimed at both health care professionals and other librarians and graduate students, offered as continuing education and graduate education. Three modalities for delivering instruction are explained: satellite broadcast, an Internet-based portion, and an intensive seminar. Course evaluations are…