In this action research project report, the teacher researcher focused on the problem of lack of achievement of students in middle school social studies classes. The purpose of the project was to increase motivation and engagement of students by incorporating the use of technology; thereby, increasing achievement. A total of 105 sixth-grade…

This paper reports on a qualitative study of students' engagement with a Web-based inquiry environment aimed at prompting student reflection in processes of scientific inquiry. In order to demonstrate how prompts become structuring resources for students' scientific inquiry, detailed analyses of students' interaction processes are conducted. The…

The widening participation agenda was instigated by a government seeking to develop skilled workers in the global economy, yet it has consistently refused to fund the burgeoning student population adequately. Managers and academics within the HE sector have to reconcile requirements for the implementation of policies with an increasing "audit"…

This qualitative study examines perceptions and use of assignment feedback among adult beginner modern foreign language learners on higher education distance learning courses. A survey of responses to feedback on assignments by 43 Open University students on beginner language courses in Spanish, French, and German indicated that respondents can be…

The feasibility of conducting computer science courses in artificial intelligence at a small liberal arts college is examined. The following problems are examined in detail: isolation; student abililty, motivation and expectation; equipment; and faculty readiness. Providing a focus to the discussion, three issues are addressed in terms of…

Whatever the view an educator takes of collaborative learning, it does seem that it takes a lot of class time. However, computer networking capabilities allow for all the advantages of collaborative learning without requiring the instructor to devote large blocks of precious in-class time to encourage it. Five good ways to use networking…

This study is based on data collected by the Division of Lifelong Learning at Indiana State University, in fall 2002. The data collected was in the form of a survey questionnaire, mailed to students taking distance courses. The main objective of the study was to analyze student preference for the four types of modalities, designed for the delivery…

Describes the prototype of a self-authored project that uses the Internet as a platform for disseminating information on the social geography of Nottingham (England). Provides background to the project along with the project design and content. Reports that both students and the designers' colleagues find the project to be successful. (CMK)

Explores students' psychological responses to an introductory Internet course delivered using computer-supported collaborative learning. Data were collected in pre- and post-course surveys and through observation of patterns of participation. Students' self-efficacy for learning and preference for collaborative work increased, while their…

Examines graduate students' perceptions of the educational value of their collaborative learning when using the Internet for course delivery. Respondents indicated that, although they enjoyed the convenience and opportunity for collaboration, a number of unsatisfactory elements were apparent with the instructional strategy and the delivery medium.…

"Confronting Hypertext" is a collaborative project designed to investigate learning outcomes using hypertext-based instruction delivered via the Internet. This article describes the project and suggests ways to map student reactions (commitment to books, distrust of online information, confusion) in different professional programs,…

Through a LISREL analysis, this study validated the Constructivist Internet-based Learning Environment Survey (CILES). CILES consisted of six scales, sorted by two aspects. The first aspect, the cognitive-metacognitive aspect, included the scales of student negotiation, inquiry learning, and reflective thinking, whereas the second aspect, the…

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)

Presents perspectives of teaching and learning via Internet-based courses. The courses discussed use the Web as a delivery system, not as the primary content. Describes courses offered and course organization; instructors' perspectives--from traditional distance education teaching to Web-based teaching; the role of Web consultants; and student…

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…