MOOs (Multi-User, Object-Oriented Environments), which were designed originally as spaces for online social interaction, are increasingly recognized today for their value as educational tools. This book brings together a diverse group of experts whose contributions help answer questions and dispel myths surrounding MOOs and their use in education.…

The project described in this paper, representing the initial phases of a one-year on-going project, was organized to build a supportive environment for Instructional Systems Technology (IST) doctoral students at Indiana University-Bloomington to help them prepare for the Qualifying exams. An overview is provided of steps taken to create an…

This report presents the results of a study of how emerging technologies can help educators deliver standards-based education to K-12 students. The first section of the report provides background on the new technology offerings and defines smart desktop systems. The second section lists critical questions for decisionmakers related to general…

This paper reports on the development and implementation of a flexible audit trail system comprising a library of auditing functions that can be embedded into interactive courseware and customized to the requirements of researchers and developers. A series of essential criteria considered critical to the development of a robust, flexible audit…

AHA! is a simple Web-based adaptive hypermedia system. Because of this simplicity it has been studied and experimented with in several research groups. This paper identifies shortcomings in AHA! and presents AHA! version 2.0 which tries to overcome the known problems with AHA! while maintaining its biggest asset: simplicity. The paper illustrates…

This paper describes the experience of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Trento, Italy, in delivering online courses through the Web. The faculty chose to design and build its own system from scratch rather than buy one off the shelf. The paper discusses the considerations informing this decision, and presents the main functionalities…

Describes how the structure of hypermedia systems can be represented by a simple matrix which is the basis for applying standard techniques of network analysis, and demonstrates the potential influence of these techniques on learning processes or outcomes. Also discusses theoretical and practical implications for future hypermedia research. (AEF)

The Portland (Oregon) School District is exploring, developing, and applying new computer systems and software for computer use. The framework for this work is a comprehensive districtwide plan for computer-related technology in the 1990s. (SI)

Describes the "Indirect Learning" (IDL) system, a speaking-computer-based multisensory system for teaching literacy skills of reading and spelling in children aged 6 upwards and adults, produced by Starcross. IDL measures how effectively the system remediated the reading and spelling in children and adults with poor phonological skills…

Outlines conditions that should be present in an electronic tutoring system, and describes the Electronic Homework system. Discusses the modules contained in the system's two main components--the Computer Tutor and Homework Administrator. Gives an example of the tutoring process, and examines the overall effects of using Electronic Homework. (AEF)

Offers points to consider when deciding whether to begin a full-scale campus portal project. Discusses approaches for creating campus portals; implementation strategies; barriers to implementation; and the potential ability of portals to extend the academic experience beyond the classroom to create 21st century learning communities. (AEF)

Notetaking and note reviewing appear to increase learning from conventional instruction. An experiment on notetaking with interactive videodisk (IVD) did not mirror these findings. With the IVD lesson, no statistically significant effects were associated with notetaking or reviewing, either conventional or matrix notes. (AEF)

Describes a software system that allows teachers and students in practically any subject to make interactive expert systems of quizzes on the Internet. Discusses the design of the system, including building a database of questions and answers; integrating text files of questions and answers with JavaScript-HTML pages; and the JavaScript and HTML…

To counter user disorientation and cognitive overload, hypertext environments often incorporate navigational aids in the form of graphical overviews of the hypertext structure. The aim of the present experimental investigation of learning in hypertext environments was to examine the impact of such graphical overviews on learning achievement in…

OpenURL resolver is the next big thing for libraries. An OpenURL resolver is simply a piece of software that sucks in attached data and serves up a Web page that tells one where he or she can get the book or article represented by it. In this article, the author describes how he designed an OpenURL resolver for his library, the Lewis & Clark…