Discussion of electronic discussion groups as an instructional technique addresses the dilemma of whether instructors should associate assessment schemes with the electronic discussion forum. Presents a coding technique as an example of how assessment can potentially promote substantive electronic discussions. (Author/LRW)

Presents a general framework for evaluating the effectiveness of educational technology in enhancing student learning and achievement. Describes the following components and their relationships: instructional objectives, learning domain, learner profile, task characteristics, grouping, delivery system, control, presence, media, connectivity, and…

Examines attempts by environmental educators to adopt computer-mediated communication (CMC), primarily computer conferencing, to enhance instruction. Discussion includes the advantages of online communication, common technical and training problems, and social considerations for the design and implementation of environmental CMC projects. (JKP)

Discussion of emerging educational technologies focuses on a case study of college students that was conducted to observe the effects of using computer-mediated communication and appropriate groupware as a teaching tool. Highlights include effects on the students, the structure of the classroom, and interpersonal interactions. (Contains 29…

Explored the opportunities presented by network-based communication to facilitate collaborative critical reflection between elementary and middle school teachers who were working on a curriculum development project. Considers self-efficacy and discusses results that showed that collaboratively produced network-based communication was significantly…

This study of the online communications of 10 teams of SMEs (subject-matter experts), classroom teachers, and K-12 students focused on the functions, frequency and flow of e-mail messages exchanged in the context of curriculum-based projects. Eight tables and figures present findings. Contains 35 references. (AEF)

Presents an exploratory case study with preservice teacher education students of an experience in collaborative discourse mediated through an educationally designed network-based application. Topics include computer mediated communication; text-based communication; small group discussion; and software design, including the design of IdeaWeb that…

Describes a study of individual differences among high school students that relate to and predict their use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools--e-mail, Usenet news, and a multimedia notebook--to support project-based science learning. Findings indicate that skill and experience with computers, parental education, access to computers,…

Examines the content and purposes of four types of exchanges among preservice elementary education majors across three semesters: student to peer, student to keypal, student to instructor, and student to group of peers using Web-based software that supported asynchronous, threaded discussions. The major purposes electronic communications served…

Examines the visions for the redesign of schools and the ways in which computers and communications technology have provided the means for these visions. Highlights include changes in instructional practices, including collaborative learning and interdisciplinary themes; change agents in the redesign of schools; and school organization and…

Discusses uses of technology in distance education and describes a study of college graduate students that illustrated the effects of two different instructional delivery technologies on the nature of interaction in online education systems: one used a synchronous video link-up and one used an asynchronous computer-mediated communication system.…