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 book is provided as a guide, encouragement and handbook for faculty to introduce digital media in language they can understand and provide strategies and activities they can quickly assimilate into their teaching. The authors are excited that more people will be able to benefit from the powerful help and guidance contained in this book. This…

Four graduate courses in nursing administration incorporated computer-assisted instruction modules, e-mail discussion groups, and two-way interactive videoconferencing. The courses successfully incorporated adult learning principles, and the number of students with home computers increased from 20% to 100%. (SK)

New computer-mediated communications are examined in a graduate course in the Department of Workforce Education and Development at Southern Illinois University. Use of prerequisite skills testing and integration of desktop videoconferencing technology provide students with the ability to interact in the distance environment. The feasibility and…

Discussion of computer-mediated communication (CMC) focuses on attempts to utilize CMC in graduate level courses. Highlights include uses of CMC as conference systems, information systems, online journals, and social communication systems; electronic mail as a distance education medium; the contribution of hypertext to CMC; and sample messages…

Summarizes the authors' experiences developing and teaching computer-mediated courses in an innovative Master of Continuing Education program at the University of Calgary (Alberta, Canada). Presents background information, teaching methods used, and recommendations for building successful computer-mediated learning environments. (Author/LRW)

Describes the development of a distance education graduate course at Arizona State University; the course is text-based, supported by the Internet and computer conferencing. Discusses course planning and design factors, implementation strategies, technical considerations, students' evaluations, and instructor perspectives. (AEF)

This paper describes the implementation of a graduate preservice teacher education course, entitled "Language and Meaning," offered via an interactive two-way audio and video delivery system in which participants on two campuses of Pace University (Westchester and New York City) were able to view each other. An interactive World Wide Web…

Studies have shown that the single greatest factor affecting student satisfaction in distance education courses is the amount of interaction that occurs between teacher and students. New technologies have expanded the potential for interaction between students and instructors, but meaningful interaction that contributes to student growth and…

Nanyang University (Singapore) and a university in the People's Republic of China have made arrangements with MIT's Sloan School of Management to launch a graduate level business administration (MBA) program that uses the Internet. The project centers on combining videoconferencing with asynchronous communications tools. A sidebar provides names…

Describes study of two online graduate courses designed and delivered via a computer conferencing system at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Advantages and disadvantages based on student responses are examined, new learning strategies for computer-mediated courses are discussed, and topics for future research are suggested.…

This paper focuses on experiences with real-time communication in distance classes that contrast with the face-to-face setting from which teachers and students brought their teaching-learning perceptions and behavior. Observing the uncomfortable and unforeseen experiences that distance teachers and students have, the authors studied the reasons…

Describes a study that investigated the use of computer conferencing systems in a masters-level professional health care program. Previous research is reviewed; message content (i.e., socio-emotional activity versus task activity) is discussed; and the model development of the discipline is used to compare course content. (Contains 42 references.)…

This paper presents the results of an experiment using videoconferencing in a distance graduate course in the Computer Science Department at the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The purpose of the experiment was to test two videoconference technologies that are widely used on the Internet, Cu-SeeMe and Real technology, and to assess…