This paper focuses on the experiences and the research of two communication instructors who are currently using Blackboard CourseInfo, an online software program, to enhance learning and communication. The paper states that ,in 1999, Ohio University made Blackboard CourseInfo available to its faculty to enable instructors to have the option of…

Online computer conferences used to assist distance learning courses often fail because the moderator-usually the instructor responsible for the conference-is not properly trained in techniques that build a community of learners. It has often been assumed that the skills required to create a vibrant classroom discussion translate easily to an…

In the transition from traditional teaching and learning to eLearning, the authors advocate avoiding disruptive approaches. The authors claim that many virtual university and corporate university efforts worldwide try to showcase big leaps forward, yet lack sustainability, suffer from in-vitro conditions, and leave behind the big mass of teachers.…

Describes a repeat-measure study that provided data regarding learning styles based on social interaction and perceptions of a scientific collaboratory system from 40 university science students working face-to-face and remotely. Results showed students with strong competitive learning style preference had slightly more positive perceptions of the…

Discusses three electronic conferencing tools that apprentice novice learners and encourage them to interact and grapple with alternative perspectives. Technical details of each tool are described, along with 1 instance where all 3 technologies were united, resulting in a highly interactive conversation shared by over 30 people at 4 different…

Highlights developments at the Center for Distance Learning at the State University of New York's Empire State College. Describes two types of instructional applications: (1) the textbook, course guide and tutor as the primary mode of instruction, with a technological tool/activity as an additional assignment; and (2) the textbook and course guide…

Describes a study of college students that investigated the appropriateness of computer-mediated communication (CMC), particularly email, in distance learning, and the opinions of students and instructors towards the use of CMC in instruction. Discusses results of surveys and interviews as well a follow-up study conducted one year after the…

Argues that conscious reflection is still necessary in an interactive learning environment and that a challenge facing developers of the virtual-language classroom is how to combine the processes of conscious reflection with those of spontaneous interaction. Examples of computer-mediated communication exchanges are examined that were generated…

Describes methods and protocols needed for effective classroom interaction in the videoconference instructional environment. Discusses establishing hard-copy materials protocol; acquainting students with the electronic environment; working from consistent staging areas; and utilizing voice-activation microphone, split-screen, and browse protocols.…

Describes wearable computers, or information and communication technology devices that are designed to be mobile. Discusses how such technologies can enhance computer-mediated communications, focusing on collaborative working for learning. Describes an experimental system, MetaPark, which explores communications, data retrieval and recording, and…

Describes a computer-mediated learning-support system designed as a suite of integrated, Internet-based client-server tools to provide: (1) intelligent support both for the processes of doing a project and for learning from doing a project, and (2) a shared dynamic knowledge base for working and learning in a community supporting project-based…

Documents how technology can bring together people who are miles apart to combine the best resources for completing computer-based training development projects. Includes description and a table highlighting pros, cons, and costs of the following: bulletin board systems; Internet; express mail of Zip disks and CDS; ScreenCam; ShareVision PC3000;…

In this introduction to a special issue on cognitive architectures and human-computer interaction (HCI), editors and contributors provide a brief overview of cognitive architectures. The following four architectures represented by articles in this issue are: Soar; LICAI (linked model of comprehension-based action planning and instruction taking);…

Examines ways that issues of sexual orientation can successfully be taught in the computer-assisted composition classroom. Shows how both gay and straight students can benefit from online and networked discussions of sexual orientation. Suggests that computerized learning-spaces offer possibilities for open discussion not available in conventional…

Investigates the use of asynchronous (mailing lists) and synchronous (chat sessions) Internet-based communication and its impact on teachers' attitudes toward collaboration, activity completion rate, and test performance. Also examines the impact of collaboration on activity completion rate and teacher performance measured by objective tests. The…