This paper describes micro-teaching delivery in virtual worlds. Emphasis is placed on examining the effectiveness of Singularity Viewer, an Internet-based Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE) as the tool used for assessment of the student teacher performance. The overall goal of this endeavour lies in exploiting the opportunities derived from…

This article proposes a methodology to create a multimodal corpus that can be shared with a group of researchers in order to analyze synchronous online pedagogical interactions. Epistemological aspects involved in studying online interactions from a multimodal and semiotic perspective are addressed. Then, issues and challenges raised by corpus…

The article explores the use of e-learning in Italian universities. The aim is to understand how the university system has faced this problem or opportunity to date and what weaknesses or developing perspectives may result from multimedia technologies applied to academic teaching management. After a brief review of the current position of Italian…

This paper addresses the lack of formalised methodology for analysing learner interaction data created in conversations on audiographic platforms. First the author shows the importance of conversations in language learning and the need for researchers to understand how users learn from these interactions. Then the author establishes that…

Swedish universities frequently offer campus-based education as well as online courses, a system commonly referred to as dual mode. This paper analyses some challenging pedagogical aspects of a master's programme in engineering developed and delivered simultaneously online and on campus. Course evaluations, questionnaires, and interviews with the…

Describes a video conferencing project involving distance education Masters students in Australia and Hong Kong. Highlights purpose, dialogical approach, and nature of interaction, and presents the project evaluation findings. Concludes that the project demonstrated the feasibility, viability, and effectiveness of teleconferencing as a mode of…

Investigating the participant structure that works in online courses helps us design for, and facilitate, collaboration. Learning communities and group work influence collaboration in online courses. We present an exploratory study of computer-mediated groups that used this model to participate in an online MA program in Educational Technology.…

Describes the distance learning initiative at the Scarman Center for the Study of Public Order (UK), focusing on two Masters courses. Discusses the course design, course materials, study guides, and complementary reading materials. Describes elements of the student support system: the student handbook, "fax-a-tutor" system, regional…

Explores effectiveness of a distance education program for physicians, and what progressive administrators can do to remove the traditional obstacles to such a program. Discusses effects of global change and technology on the economy; University of Tennessee's Physician Executive MBA Program using a mixed-mode of delivery; and methodology,…

This paper describes how two related e-learning initiatives have led to school-level virtual learning environment (VLE) adoption and commencement of several new teaching developments at the University of Southampton. These have engaged additional academic staff with online learning and increased the role of blended learning within the curriculum,…

The Community Development Master's Program is an inter-institutional, trans-disciplinary degree program that began in 2005 online at five participating universities in the North Central region. This article discusses outcomes of interviews with current and past students in the program to determine if a multi-institutional program, versus a program…

The Instructional Systems Technology Distance Master of Science program is one of the first degrees of its kind to be offered at Indiana University. Other than an initial on-campus orientation, it can be completed entirely via the Internet. The first course for this program was offered Fall of 2000 with 18 students enrolled. This same semester, a…

Describes the use of interactive television in distance higher education based on experiences of an accredited MBA program at Ball State University (Indiana). Discusses how graphics were designed and used to deliver accounting instruction and feedback to homework assignments. Describes the presentation software used. (AEF)

This paper describes a collaborative action research approach used to explore peer observation of teaching (POT) within the online environment. Although POT has become familiar in face-to-face teaching contexts, little is understood of its potential role in online settings. We conducted "virtual" focus groups to explore the experience…

This paper shares the approach taken by one department of educational leadership to creating a vehicle for delivering its master's degree program to national and international students through the integration of online and on-site instructional formats. The paper addresses the historical background of higher education reform, the curriculum of the…