Two studies investigated ways in which computer and video technology can support expert human coaches in order to reduce instructor time and increase learner-centered environments; the goal was to train undergraduate students to facilitate others' interpersonal problem solving. Results indicate that the technology-supported methods can decrease…

A survey conducted in 1997 of distance learners at the Open University of Hong Kong to gauge the level of comfort with distance learning-style tutorials delivered in the face-to-face (F2F) mode revealed that students desired traditional teaching methods, rather than purely interactive instruction. Reasons for this attitude are explored.…

A Latin teacher describes her experiences and observations of teaching at a public online high school after 18 years in the traditional classroom. Discussion includes keeping the students involved and providing some structure; importance of e-mail and telephone communication; online interaction area for students; and requirements of teaching…

Defines mentoring, focusing on its use in distance education. Outlines categories of mentoring--traditional, peer, group or team, and online or virtual (telementoring). Discusses mentoring and technological change types of mentors in distance education classes; the role of computer-mediated communications; and decreasing attrition by pairing…

Explores issues related to the design of collaborative-learning environments mediated by computer conferencing from the perspective of challenges faced in the sociocultural context of the Indian sub-continent. Examines the impact of online features on social cohesiveness, group dynamics, interaction, communication anxiety, and participation.…

In a teaching experiment, 16 face-to-face and 11 e-mail Finnish university students studied academic debating in an argumentation course. Results indicated the e-mail students learned to identify and choose relevant grounds, while face-to-face students improved in putting forward counter-argumentation. The study suggests that argumentation skills…

Discusses a view of learning based on an individualistic model, which emphasizes the information aspect of information and communications technology. This view presents an incomplete view of the nature of learning and the teacher's role. An alternative perspective based on social psychology, activity theory, and social practice is outlined,…

Suggests that there are three types of online instructional communication: (1) interaction between student and instructor only; (2) interaction between students, controlled by instructor; and (3) student-centered and student-led online discussions. Analyzes first type as a means of moving to other types of exchange. (NB)

Over the past several years, scholars of teaching and learning have demonstrated the potential of collaborative learning strategies for improving student learning. This paper examines the use of computer-mediated communication to promote collaborative student learning in large introductory sociology courses. Specifically, we summarize a project we…

Today teacher educators emphasize the need for preservice teachers to develop certain habits of mind (like reflection) in order to be effective teachers. These educators are constantly searching for pedagogical strategies that can help teachers quickly learn, understand, and take to heart important dispositions. This article describes a three-year…

Purpose: This study investigates: what kind of e-moderation is more effective in the formation of successful web-based courses, and the essential characteristics of synchronous communication (SC) that have a positive contribution in the formation of successful courses. Design/methodology/approach: The previously mentioned issues investigated a…

"Wiki", the Hawaiian word for quick, can refer to either a Web site or the software that runs it. Ward Cunningham, a Portland, OR, programmer, invented and named the wiki in 1995. He wanted to help a virtual community of programmers communicate efficiently. Teachers and librarians nationwide have begun to explore the role of wikis in…

The Internet is a powerful tool for building community, for exchanging ideas and information, and for learning. Taking a course or training program online can be very gratifying, yet equally frustrating. Learning online can be a wonderful adventure. This article discusses survival skills and practical tips in taking online class or training…

In the first 24 months of the project, KP-Lab members were highly dedicated to dissemination and were engaged in various dissemination activities that contributed to the prime objective of the KP-Lab dissemination efforts which is "to make the project widely known to a variety of prospective users and, at a later stage, to promote the…

Our essential premise in this article is that immersive learning is not new and that, as a practical matter, it is useful to view the relatively new virtual world platforms through that lens. By doing so, the premise continues, developers of learning experiences for these spaces will have a large theoretical base upon which to draw, as well as…