Collaborative learning provides students with vital opportunities to create and build knowledge. Existing technologies can facilitate collaborative learning. However, barriers exist to enacting collaborative practices related to the coverage of material for assessments and classroom management concerns, among others. Teachers can overcome these…

The authors discuss the notion of Rapid Collaborative Knowledge Building (RCKB) in classroom settings. RCKB seeks to harness the collective intelligence of groups to learn faster, envision new possibilities, and to reveal latent knowledge in a dynamic live setting. It is characterized by the notion of rapid cycles of knowledge building activities…

This article focuses on the practical issues in implementing instructional approaches based on constructivist views of learning. The authors do not view this as a procedural guide, but rather believe that the design of these inquiry based learning (IBL) approaches must be guided by the view of learning represented in constructivist frameworks.…

A discussion of whether learning should be structured or open-ended. (HB)

A discussion of the techniques used by Auburn University, Alabama, to introduce new students to an innovative program of teacher education. (HB)

The intent of this article is to: (1) characterize appropriate content for drill activity, and (2) describe various cognitive levels of drill exercises that may be used in a learning situation. The overall purpose is to establish a rationale and guidelines for the appropriate use, rather than misuse, of drill exercises. (Author/ER)

Article illustrates the types of activities which may occur in a learning package oriented curriculum. (Author)

Five areas are suggested for individualized instruction. (HB)

Article suggests several reasons for the successful use of computers to augment learning and offers some principles and procedures for catalyzing creativity in computer-related learning environments. (Author)

Focuses on the use of e-mail games for learning. Discusses terminology; reasons for using virtual games; promoting person-to-person interaction online; how to play an e-mail game, including three examples of specific games; player reactions; design components; the functions for facilitating an e-mail game; and the game as an excuse for debriefing.…

Article discusses the utilization of the computer to enable the teacher to supply alternative activities for the student. (Author)

Discusses engagement theory (students meaningfully engaged in learning activities through interaction with others and worthwhile tasks) and the three components, collaboration, project orientation, and authentic focus, and outlines research questions to establish its efficacy. (PEN)

Outlines steps instructors must undertake to prepare for constructivist activities. Presents two categories of constructivist activity supported by the Web. Students may construct advanced mental models by: cooperating with peers, and/or connecting personal conceptions with expert conceptions. Online environments that allow learners to perform…

Provides practical ideas for "raising the bar" on student, technology-rich projects as teachers and learners work together to transform the learning environment. Explores levels of complexity in student products and determines what is realistic in terms of matching standards and activities with time and resources. (Author/AEF)

Discusses problems with two common Web-browsing instructional activities and suggests ways that teachers can improve lessons to develop students' critical thinking skills. Focuses on search-and-print and Web page design activities. (AEF)