This study reports the effects of different types of instructional preparation strategies on the problem solving performance of college students taking an introductory physics class. Students were divided into four equally skilled groups and solved the same physics problems after receiving different instructional preparations (engaging in…

Describes the development of an online physical anthropology course at Palomar College (California) that evolved from online tutorials. Discusses the ability to update materials on the Web more quickly than in traditional textbooks; creating Web pages that are readable by most Web browsers; test security issues; and clarifying ownership of online…

Discussion of distance education versus traditional instruction focuses on courses being converted at the Naval War College to Web-based courses. Explains equivalency theory, which aligns the learning experiences of online learners with those of on-site learners so that either scenario should yield the same outcomes. (LRW)

This paper consists of reviews of current trends in World Wide Web-based instruction and a representative sample of Web-based instruction efficacy research. The review of the current state of Web-based instruction yields two principle themes: (1) the prevalence of Web-based instruction is growing exponentially, particularly in lifelong learning…

Discussion of student assessment in online learning focuses on a study conducted at the Center for Excellence in Education at Northern Arizona University that examined assessment of student's performance in Web-based and Web-enhanced coursework. Compares assessment in online courses to assessment in traditional courses based on results of a…

Compares computer-assisted instruction in an online library tutorial with the traditional classroom approach to bibliographic instruction. Results of pretests and posttests were compared with students who did not participate in instruction and it is suggested that further research is needed in the area of confidence levels and library use.…

Discusses benefits of online distance learning and considers some of the barriers that need to be addressed for successful implementation. Topics include quality compared to traditional face-to-face methods; academic workloads; self-pacing issues; the lecturer's role; lack of standards; security concerns; and the need for strategic planning. (LRW)