This paper presents a quantitative approach to multimodal discourse analysis for analyzing online collaborative learning. The coding framework draws together the fields of systemic functional linguistics and Activity Theory to analyze interactions between collaborative-, content- and technology-related discourse. The approach is used to examine…

Describes various formats of teleconferencing and the technology involved, and presents guidelines for successfully conducting a teleconference in an educational setting. Highlights include preparation before the conference, such as providing proper physical arrangements and equipment; activities during the conference; and activities after the…

The analysis of the process of collaboration is a central topic in current CSCL research. However, defining process characteristics relevant for collaboration quality and developing instruments capable of assessing these characteristics are no trivial tasks. In the assessment method presented in this paper, nine qualitatively defined dimensions of…

The basic premise for this paper is that any educational program or technology should be evaluated on the basis of the theoretical foundations or perspectives on which it is implicitly or explicitly based. Structured in three main sections, it reviews recent literature in areas related to the many aspects that influence learning through…

Discussion of the use of technology in distance education courses focuses on the evaluation of a two-week teaching trial between two college campuses in Australia that used compressed data interactive videoconferencing technology. Results for the adequacy of the physical presentation and student and staff perceptions are detailed. (14 references)…

There are many ways in which electronic technology can be used to support developmental efforts in teacher evaluation. One important way will be providing unobtrusive and easy-to-collect documentation and feedback in evaluation. Computer-mediated telecommunication also has great potential for the promotion of professional development. (SLD)

Focuses on a videoconferencing project that was conducted between an American and a French university. Describes the way that the exchange was set up and run, the types of equipment and materials that were used, the students' activities and assignments, the methods used for evaluating students' work, and the relationship of the project to the…

Educational researchers have employed various self-efficacy instruments in a wide spectrum of disciplines and academic settings. However, self-efficacy measures specific to the online environment have not been developed yet. This paper provides a brief history of the online environment and discusses the development and validation of an instrument…

The web has the potential to offer an environment that can support standardized medical education to students dispersed in time or place and, in the process, respond to reduced availability of patients for practice. This exploratory article describes how we evaluated critical thinking in an online collaborative Problem-based Learning (PBL)…

This book contains the following papers on open and distance learning today: "Preface" (Daniel); "Big Bang Theory in Distance Education" (Hawkridge); "Practical Agenda for Theorists of Distance Education" (Perraton); "Trends, Directions and Needs: A View from Developing Countries" (Koul); "American…

This document contains 71 papers and 11 workshop presentations on distance teaching and learning from a conference on educational research. The following are among the papers included: "Bridging Distances and Differences" (Nancy Anderson); "The Role of Site Directors in Faculty and Student Success" (Edith M. Barnett, Jeanie P.…