The article addresses the challenges of distance education, i.e. how to manage the pedagogical process of project-based learning (PBL). The research objective was to use PBL as a teaching method where students learn by actively participating in a real professional task -- preparing antenatal classes for future parents. We were also interested in…

This study concerns the development of autonomy in adult learners working on an online learning platform as part of a professional master's degree programme in "French as a Foreign Language". Our goal was to identify the influence of reflective and collaborative dimensions on the construction of autonomy for online learners in this programme. The…

Using cluster analysis this study investigated the characteristics of learning strategies learners use in online courses with one-on-one mentoring. Three distinct approaches were identified: "Mastery oriented", "Task focused" and "Minimalist in effort". Despite the widespread concern that students will have difficulty managing their time in online…

This study empirically examines the instructional value of online video lectures--videos that a course's instructor prepares to supplement classroom or online-broadcast lectures. The study examines data from a classroom course, where the videos have a slower, more step-by-step lecture style than the classroom lectures; student use of videos is…

This study was designed to examine performance as a function of grade and course satisfaction in online undergraduate level courses, specifically students' self-efficacy for online technologies and self-regulated learning strategies. This research included a sample (N = 815) of community college students enrolled in liberal arts online courses…

Describes a study of undergraduates in Israel that examined the relationship between two distance learning ICT (information and communication technology)-based configurations. Results indicate that psychological attitudes held by students differentially facilitate efficient use of distance learning approaches. Considers satisfaction with learning,…

Discusses computer-mediated communication (CMC) in distance education. Topics addressed include recent research that focused on the use of CMC-delivered courses in distance education; self-directed learning and learner autonomy; independent study; learner controlled instruction; critical thinking; collaborative learning; and curriculum change. (45…

This paper deals with a significant challenge in education today: the challenge to teach life long learning and critical thinking skills in Web-based environments. This is a challenge for two reasons. First, business and government are pressuring educational institutions to prepare employees who can think critically, solve a range of problems,…

This study investigated issues related to the project-based learning (PBL) approach using Web technology. Action research methodology was employed for the investigation. Data included online discussions, an online questionnaire, and the transcripts of face-to-face instruction. Content analysis was used for data analysis. The findings showed that…

Many tertiary institutions in Australia provide support to develop online teaching and learning resources, an environment characterized by demands from students for quality face-to-face and distance education, staff concern over workloads, institutional budgeting constraints and an imperative to use management systems. There also remains a…

Discussion of the use of computer conferencing in education focuses on a Canadian study of adult distance education students that examined learning strategies when using computer conferencing. Topics addressed include interviews with students and teachers; behavior by students and by instructors; learner control; affective needs; and implications…

Trends in pedagogy and in technology are converging to make distance learning environments of the 21st century. Trends in pedagogy have encouraged the movement away from the learner as a passive recipient of information and toward a more active model of learning. Earlier generations of distance learning media and methods were ill-suited to the…

Professional development for teachers in information and communication technology (ICT) is currently a major priority for school systems in Australia and internationally. The metacognitive and reflective approach to professional development described in this paper is a response to the limitations of directive approaches to ICT learning within a…