It is evident that technology plays an important role in the foreign language teaching and learning processes, whereas foreign language anxiety (FLA) is one of the considerable affective variables that influence adversely the aforementioned processes. However, how the use of technology affects FLA levels has not been drawn attention among…

An increasing number of higher educational institutes are offering remedial, bridging, preparatory or transitional courses in a blended and online format to remediate and enhance students' knowledge and skills. This article addresses how teachers and institutes design and implement these courses. The descriptions of transitional courses were…

Discussion of distance education and use of the Internet focuses on the development of a prototype distance-learning system at the University of Macau called DESI (Distance Education System for the Internet) that makes use of replicated databases and speech synthesis to overcome some of the limitations of Internet-based systems. (Author/LRW)

Analyzes the requirements for constructing collaborative learning activities in distance computer assisted learning (CAL) systems; shows why an active database can satisfy the requirements with a collaborative homework example; and proposes procedures for using an active database to construct collaborative learning activities in distance CAL…

Provides an overview of computer conferencing and discusses its advantages and efficacy in developing industry-valued competences in terms of: ease of information dissemination, time efficiency, facilitation of multiple tasks, inclusiveness, reflection, student centeredness, learning versus teaching, distance capabilities, presence of moderators,…

Monitoring the learning process in computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments is a key element for supporting the efficacy of tutor actions. This article proposes an approach for analysing learning processes in a CSCL environment to support tutors in their monitoring tasks. The approach entails tracking the interactions within…

Instructional design for Web-based teaching and learning environments causes problems for two reasons. First, virtual forms of teaching and learning result in little or no direct contact between instructor and learner, making the evaluation of course effectiveness difficult. Second, the Web as a relatively new teaching and learning medium still…

Noting that the educational sector in Britain has been a small but influential user of videotex systems since the launch of the public Prestel service in 1979, this paper surveys the main trial uses in education. The studies reviewed begin with a 1-year trial of Prestel in 1980-81, which identified two applications as having further potential: as…

The purpose of this project is to investigate the potential of communication networks using electronic mail, computer conferencing, and electronic databases for education and training at a distance within the Open Univeristy system of Great Britain, although it would be applicable within other contexts. This report discusses (1) the rationale for…

Describes results of a survey of secondary school and college teachers that was conducted to determine subject matter that should be included in educational computing journals. Areas of interest included computer applications; artificial intelligence; computer-aided instruction; computer literacy; computer-managed instruction; databases; distance…

Describes an educational computer network, SuperInterface, that could be used for telestudy for university education. Topics discussed include computer-supported collaborative work; computer-based learning; multimedia databases, or electronic books; human-machine interfaces; hardware, software, and groupware; learners; teachers; organizations and…

The use of educational technology in rural schools can maximize the natural advantages of rural schools and alleviate the disadvantages. Rural schools often face geographic isolation, shortages in specialized staff, low student enrollments, small numbers of special needs students, limited program offerings for students, and limited opportunities…

This report on technology in education has been prepared, primarily for TVOntario staff, to highlight new and growing educational applications and to summarize recent evaluations of earlier application efforts. The descriptions of trends and developments are classified by media format. Representative applications of the media include: (1)…

This guide to proposed microcomputer systems and their applications for training institutions in developing countries discusses the development of such systems and recommends hardware and computer software configurations for typical training applications. Arguing that the microcomputer should be used for greater personal and institutional…

As learners use World Wide Web-based distance learning systems over a period of years, large amounts of learning logs are generated. An instructor needs analysis tools to manage the logs and discover unusual patterns within them to improve instruction. However, logs of a Web server cannot serve as learners' portfolios to satisfy the requirements…