Assesses the OpenCourseWare (OCW) initiative at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whereby MIT offers free, online access to its course materials. Provides readers with a broader sense of OCW's implications for higher education. Addresses some issues raised in response to the initiative-the role of intellectual property rights, the…

Describes methods for developing and delivering library instruction in an electronic format. Discusses using a customized Web site as a backup for live instruction; creating a computer-generated slide presentation to accompany a live lecture or to be placed on the Web; writing a self-paced Web tutorial; and developing a complete online library…

Lists steps to follow when planning a course online: assess needs and necessary conditions to satisfy them; estimate development cost, effort, and implications; plan the virtual classroom; design the virtual classroom; prepare and distribute contents; enable communication; implement online student assessment methods; implement class management…

Describes how to design an interactive course for the Internet, using as an example the development of a graduate course entitled Accessing Information through Technology. Course design includes development of a needs assessment, goal analysis, student assessment, instructional strategy, and course evaluation. (SM)

A considerable body of evidence indicates that using technology simply to expand traditional adult literacy approaches and programs will not likely meet existing literacy needs, let alone the heightened expectations of the national literacy goal. One promising approach is to use home-based personal computers (PCs) equipped with modems and…

Discusses TopClass, a Web-based tool and delivery system used for online courses, and its use at Schoolcraft College in Michigan. TopClass offers many benefits, including a self-contained management system, secured access, user-friendly instructions for coursework area creation, e-mail, bulletin boards, a secured testing mechanism and student…

Identifies reasons for using discussions as part of online courses. Outlines a framework for designing successful discussions; presents guidelines for facilitating discussions for maximum learning; and discusses evaluation of online discussions. Three figures list the four steps or components that are involved with each of these processes. (AEF)

This paper deals with the use of personal technologies in decentralized university education. Decentralized education, delivered to off-campus students located in the same geographical area, is a hybrid genre combining features of both on-campus and distance education. The paper reports two studies. The first study focused on communication…

This paper describes the process of establishing an Internet-based online graduate degree program for teachers. At Webster University (Missouri), this program was the first online degree to be offered by the institution. The paper reviews Webster University's experiences and outlines a planning process that includes defining the rationale (risks)…

Presents findings of a focus group study used to design a survey instrument for applications in future studies to determine factors of influence that inspire senior faculty members to participate in course delivery through online learning environments (OLE). Concludes with discussion points to encourage academic administrators to consider the…

This study examined the patterns of use, effects on roles and relationships, problems and preparations needs posed by the use of the Internet in middle school classrooms. Two technology-rich inner city middle schools in the Greater Los Angeles area were selected as pools from which to select teacher participants. Data collection was designed to…

Universities are under increasing pressure to develop a virtual presence in the face of widespread global competition. Online courseware development and delivery presents many exciting opportunities, and brings with it a number of challenges to be overcome. This case study describes some of the experiences of the European Union-funded TISCAM…

In order to facilitate the professional development of its student teachers, North Carolina has initiated a grant program that offers a number of grant opportunities. This paper describes how one of these grants was used in a special education classroom. The classroom consisted of 14 students with a wide range of handicapping conditions. The…

Profiles a high school technology teacher and creator of CyberSchool, a distance learning program of the Eugene (Oregon) School District. Discusses Tom Layton's education, early work experience, establishment of a high school English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program, integration of computers into the classroom, reputation as a technology leader,…

Discusses ways teachers can get free Internet access. Highlights include Internet uses in education; online access from home or in the school library; university accounts; registration procedures; and what opportunities and limitations to expect online. A sidebar lists state-supported Internet sites. (AEF)