Distance education has grown significantly over the past two decades, and the need to evaluate and enforce online course federal accessibility standards is gaining momentum among educators, students, and legislators. The purpose of this study was to determine if students with disabilities, who are enrolled in online courses, certifications, and…

Numerous studies have affirmed the value of asynchronous online communication as a learning resource. Several investigations, however, have indicated that discussions in asynchronous environments are often neither interactive nor coherent. The research reported sought to develop an enhanced understanding of interactional coherence, argumentation,…

Differences in curriculum and teaching styles across disciplines in higher education courses are also evident in online courses. This study used two widely available sources of data, CMS tool usage logs and course evaluations, to analyze differences between online courses in disciplinary quadrants (hard-pure, hard-applied, soft-pure, soft-applied)…

This interview with Allan Ellis focuses on a history of computer applications in education. Highlights include work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; the New England Education Data System; and efforts to create a computer-based distance learning and development program called ISVD (Information System for Vocational Decisions). (LRW)

Describes a study that developed and field-tested the Classroom Community Scale, which measures the sense of community in a learning environment, and to determine its validity and reliability for use with university students taking distance courses via the Internet. Considers gender and ethnic groups, and a copy of the scale is appended.…

Explores the depth of the impact which networked, digital technologies are having on the global information environment and calls for the development of new curricula appropriate to that new world. Raises questions regarding the kinds of knowledge that are required by students entering the 21st century to help educators avoid using new digital…

Reviews some basic tenets for educational practice and considers current trends and possible future directions for higher education. Examines the Western Governor's University, a consortium of private and state-supported institutions, along with issues raised by the emergence of business-oriented university systems. Considers design and…

Argues that distance-education technologies do not necessarily bring people close to each other and to the world. Discusses the central educational requirement for students to discover an inner connection to the subject matter and how to hold these technologies in a human balance. Recommends opportunities for students to experience the world, in…