To understand the value and impact of technology, one must recognize that there have been three distinct phases in technology uses and expectations: Print Automation, Expansion of Learning Opportunities, and Data-Driven Virtual Learning. This report takes an in-depth look at these three phases and, for each, addresses two important and highly…

This paper examines the impact of a distance education program offered by the University of Pretoria, South Africa, on the professional practice of teachers. A pilot study was conducted using a combination of surveys and focus group interviews. Findings reveal that the program was beneficial to graduates' personal development, professional…

This paper reports on the re-design of the Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) programme, which is offered by the University of Pretoria through distance education (DE) to teachers in rural South Africa. In 2007, a team re-designed the programme with the goal of promoting access, quality, and student support. The team included an independent…

To understand the value and impact of technology, it must be recognized that there have been three distinct phases in technology uses and expectations: Print Automation, Expansion of Learning Opportunities, and Data-Driven Virtual Learning. This report takes an in-depth look at these three phases and, for each, addresses two very important and…

Presents the results of an analysis of more than 800 articles associated with technology to determine whether valid research results exist to support the growing use of technology in education. Argues that the support given to technology in education is largely based on unfounded and anecdotal evidence. (Author/AEF)

Learning at a distance has been on the fringe of educational acceptance since the first correspondence course was delivered through the mail system in return for academic credit. As distance learning has matured, elements of enhanced instructional design and advances in educational technology have migrated this medium of learning closer to the…

Examines the effects of a prototype of motivationally-adaptive computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Findings indicate CAI can be designed to be motivationally adaptive to respond to changes in learner motivation that may occur over time. Results also illustrate that the ARCS (attention, relevance, confidence, satisfaction) model can be useful and…

Presents some of the perceived pedagogical challenges posed by use of the World Wide Web. Proposes that the debate surrounding use of the Web in university teaching should center on learning and not technical issues. Learning issues and challenges discussed in this article include learning approaches, using the technical features of the Web to…

This paper suggests that evaluation research about education policy is intended to affect decisions and typically addresses pedagogy, politics, and economics, all simultaneously. The paper begins with two assumptions: first, the need to do credible science, and second, the need for science to advance the contribution that instructional technology…

Presents evaluations of three video-based distance education programs--Star Schools, the governor of Wyoming's pilot distance learning project, and the Ohio SchoolNet Telecommunity. Discusses some common findings and implications for the future of video-based distance learning, including what can be done to make distance education courses more…

The appropriate use of technology in education is one viable solution to the challenge of training students for the Information Age. Benefits and barriers are presented in this paper. Benefits include improved student performance and behavior, and an efficient manner of procuring information. An additional benefit is the global awareness and…

This document contains the Conference Agenda, followed by highlights from 42 Spotlight School systems across the country. The schools briefly share their experiences, evaluation techniques, and tell their success stories about the positive impacts technology is having on teaching and learning. Conference research materials are then presented.…

The Secretary's Conference on Educational Technology: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technology (July 12-13, 1999) noted a shift in schools' focus on technology. Where once the emphasis was on building and implementing a technology infrastructure, today it is on evaluating the effectiveness of its use in schools and classrooms. Conference…

Teacher-librarians can learn more about the effect of media and new technologies, and how to introduce these topics in the classroom. The Media Awareness Network World Wide Web site offers well-organized information and teaching units on privacy and other pertinent topics. Provides excerpts of online materials provided by the Media Awareness…

Explores three different views of epistemology: Naive View (senses/mind), Piagetean (constructivist), and Wittgensteinian (culture). Examines the relationship between technology, learning, and knowing. Argues that technology will succeed in schools to the extent that it can stimulate the learner to construct relevant stories. (Author/AEF)