Today, although much debate surrounds the effectiveness of including graphics in Web-based distance education courses, most course authors agree that such courses should productively engage students so that quality of learning actually occurs. But what is productive engagement in a world of electronic communication and text? This paper offers a…

This paper discusses the results of a study that compared two different course delivery methods. One of these used the Internet exclusively for module delivery while the other used a traditional campus setting. The two delivery methods were compared in order to determine if the Internet method was as good as the traditional approach. Results and…

Two popular learning environments, TeleTOP and Blackboard, are implemented for specific educational contexts in many universities and other institutions. The goal is to increase the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education, particularly network technology or Web-based systems. These electronic learning environments do not…

Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are often perceived by education establishments as an opportunity to widen access without traditional overheads. An integral part of most VLEs is asynchronous computer conferencing and on-line moderators must help students migrate quickly to the new virtual environment to minimize learning disruption. This…

The purpose of this paper is to advance the argument that universities should move toward using distance education as rapidly and as fully as possible. The paper discusses three reasons to support the proposition: (1) Technological advances have brought us to a point that most of the university curriculum can be individualized and delivered via…

This paper presents results of research on an intensive online graduate level course in Web-based instruction (WBI) delivered via the same medium. The classes, offered concurrently at the University of Memphis and at Georgia State University, provide students with experiences centered around three areas: being a student in an online environment;…

In January 1999, an interdisciplinary seminar of doctoral students from cognitive, educational and computational sciences was organized to study theoretical texts that might provide insight into how to support collaborative learning with perspectives-based software. The seminar uses a Web-based tool called WEBGUIDE to mediate and structure…

This paper focuses on the rewards and pitfalls of offering an online Technology in Education program. The program structure, administrative support needs, student readiness issues, evaluation process, student benefits and concerns, logistics, technical needs, and teaching issues relating to offering an online program are presented. Concrete…

Discusses barriers to threaded-topic discussions in online teaching. Suggests a better way to enhance communication and promote collaborative learning: a jointly prepared, "shared document" format. Describes the development and use of Forum MATRIX, a software program designed to maximize the potential of the shared document format. (AEF)

A Web-based curriculum requiring critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills was developed. A multidisciplinary team of educators created the "virtual exchange." Students are assigned a scenario character to portray in their interactions with the other characters (students). They interact on the Internet to promote critical thinking…

Reports on a longitudinal study of the effectiveness of computerizing a liberal arts university. Discusses problems of measurement when tracking changes in the educational outcome; and uses data from the study to develop a reliable scale to measure attitudes related to interaction, computer-mediated communication, student expectations, and…

Examines one possible side effect of using computer technology for learning. Argues that the pattern of externalizing skills that is part of the character of computers results in an atrophying of many of the most essential inner qualities that students need to develop. Gives examples involving Internet-based communication. (Author/AEF)

Discusses Lansing Community College's (Michigan) Virtual College, initiated in 1997 and now offering 47 courses for online delivery. Reviews ColdFusion 3.1, a database-driven Web application server, and describes how the college has successfully used it to support students and faculty. (EMH)

Discusses interaction in Web-based distance education for post-secondary students. Topics include designing interaction; asynchronous versus synchronous communication; individual, small group, and mass communications; interpersonal and intrapersonal interaction; teacher-directed versus student self-directed learning; task/content interaction…

Addresses the need and importance of doing business-based research on the Internet, the integration of online instruction in advanced business-English classes for international students, and the necessity of a collaborative relationship among students for learning and among departments for implementation. (AEF)