Provides an overview of issues relating to practice and research regarding collaborative online learning in distance education. Topics include traditional problems of distance education; instructional design issues, including course preparation, social climate and sense of community, instructor's role, and the effective use of technology; and…

Reports on an ethnographic study of the online program at the University of Colorado. The study identified five themes of the online learning culture: the importance of human interaction, the student work ethic, personal characteristics, thoughtfulness of student comments in an asynchronous environment, and the instructor's critical role as…

A project undertaken at the University of Minnesota evaluated two microcomputer teletraining systems (audiographic conferencing) to determine the effectiveness of this technology for point-to-point and multipoint distance education. System design requirements included broadcast keystrokes, error checking, master-slave linkages, simultaneous voice…

Explored the relationship between asynchronous, text-based forms of social communication and students' perceptions of the social climate of computer conferences based on questionnaire responses from the University of Alberta's distance education courses. Discusses setting the climate for discussion; a taxonomy of social expressions; and directions…

Describes the development of the Cooperative Remotely Accessible Learning (CORAL) system on the Internet at National Chiao Tung University (Taiwan) that promotes cooperative constructive distance learning and provides the first comprehensive and networked courseware written in Chinese. Results of formative evaluation are described and future…

Current research on applications of computer conferencing in six institutions identifies a number of common problems related to communications and conferencing software and hardware and user attitudes about the medium. Despite these difficulties, there have been indications of a growth in the incorporation of computer conferencing in distance…

The problem of pacing distance learning students is discussed together with suggested pacing methods: insertion of questions in text of study guides; short-term, regular assignments; tutorial letters; audiocassette and videotape usage; and computer assisted instruction. (MBR)

Explores the complexity of researching networked learning in higher education. Suggests that no single theoretical model currently available is sufficiently powerful to provide a framework for a research agenda that takes into account key aspects of human agency. Presents findings of a multi-method analysis of the learning and tutoring processes…

Describes recent innovations in distance learning technology, including the use of video technology; personal computers, including computer conferencing, computer-mediated communication, and workstations; multimedia, including hypermedia; Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN); and fiber optics. Research implications for multimedia and…

Course management systems (CMSs), such as Blackboard, Desire2Learn, or WebCT, have become a common resource at universities, colleges, and distance learning organizations. Research into how these systems are used for learning is in an early state. Currently, this research focuses on technical features in a CMS more than research about how people…

Discusses the historical development of educational technology in China and describes current concerns and practices. Topics discussed include the inadequacy of the present educational system; implementing educational technology; the need for theoretical studies; the need for integration of hardware and software; distance education; individualized…

Describes two studies that explored the effects of cooperative and individualized structures on college student learning and attitudes in a simulated distance education environment. Highlights include computer-mediated communication, gender differences, differences between distance education and traditional instruction, and future research needs.…

Describes a computer program based on Keller's Personalized System of Instruction that has been used for on-campus and off-campus teaching by the University of Manitoba. Highlights include electronic mail, student attitudes and roles, costs, suggestions for future research, and examples from computer-aided personalized system of instruction…

Describes results of a survey of the use of computer-assisted learning (CAL) in distance education in Australia. Highlights include subject areas that use CAL; software specifications; types of hardware used; students' and instructors' perceptions of computer usage; and suggestions for further research. (13 references) (LRW)

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…