The use of computers as a tool for learning has traditionally focused on individualized methods of instruction. Social interaction, however, is taking an increasingly important role in current learning theories and instruction prescriptions including computer-based delivery systems. Concurrent with these recommendations, global computer networks…

Some of the newest methods of distance learning (DL) use the Internet and the World Wide Web. DL on the Internet usually takes one of the following forms: electronic mail; bulletin boards/newsgroups; downloading of course materials or tutorials; interactive tutorials on the Web; real-time, interactive conferencing; "intranets" (internal,…

Most countries participating in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development are faced with rapid economic and socio-cultural changes and growing demands for education and training. Postsecondary education faces the challenge of providing high-quality education for all adults who need it in a cost-effective manner. One of the most…

The VETO project is part of the Ministry of Education national strategy to develop an Information Society Program in Finnish schools. The focus of the VETO project is to develop and identify relevant guidelines for the implementation and integration of network based education solutions in vocational schools. The purpose of this study was to…

Describes the successful use of computer conferencing in a journalism feature writing class. Discusses how conferencing works, conferencing and pedagogy, stumbling blocks, benefits, and further applications. (SR)

The InternNet Project examined applications of Internet resources for preservice teacher development. University supervisors, teacher candidates, and cooperating teachers used e-mail for communication during student teaching and internships. Analysis of participants' messages revealed the complexities of e-mail use, with interns adapting their…

Considers educational challenges and opportunities for universities offered by sociotechnical networks, such as the Internet. Uses the case of a course on globalization to outline some practical possibilities for using the Internet to facilitate critical thinking. Suggests that geography educators need to develop a technoliteracy that…

ComWeb is an analog/digital hybrid computer network providing communication between students and teachers directed from the teacher's workstation that can be adapted for deaf and hard of hearing students in a mainstream environment. This article describes the implementation of a ComWeb-based class in computer literacy classroom and compares…

In recent years laptop computers have become increasingly popular in educational settings; wireless connectivity is a more recent development which is only now being fully explored, and which has led to the creation of the "wireless laptop lab." In this article, the authors share some of the experiences and concerns that they have encountered…

The planning and implementing of a rural instructional television fixed service (ITFS) distance education program at California State University-Fresno (CSUF) is described. The three important functions of establishing a distance education program within a learning institution are addressed: telecommunications networking, management…

Contends that the growth of worldwide computer networks provides unprecedented opportunities for students and teachers to observe or participate in discussions on research in any field. Describes how the Internet has altered teaching methods and assigned student projects. Includes tables of Internet addresses related to music education. (CFR)

The Global Schoolhouse, a K-12 Internet project, connects schools nationally and internationally and demonstrates how the Internet can be used as a tool for research and as a medium for interactive and collaborative learning. (Author/AEF)

Three middle school teachers of mainstreamed students with mild disabilities used a computer networking system to check student understanding of math concepts. Results indicated that, with coaching on how to use the data generated by the system, teachers increased the amount of time spent on active teaching and providing feedback. (Author/JDD)

Outlines current directions that computer assisted language learning (CALL) is taking, highlighting CALL's social dimension and discussing Turkle's books, "Language Learning Through Social Computing" and "Life on the Screen." The paper explains that the current social context, which includes rich, user-friendly environments for sharing, discourse,…

As enrollments decline, many institutions rush to implement distance education programs, often with only crude or solely administrative guidelines for program development. The following seven principles of good practice can be useful to guide initial program development: (1) programs should have purpose, direction, leadership, and clearly…