This paper report the findings of the first phase of a multi-phased research project that is aimed at examining preservice teachers' development of science concepts when learning: (1) takes place at a distance, and (2) is facilitated by videoconferencing technology. The study builds on the work that was done by Lansdown (Lansdown, Blackwood, and…

We have established an environment for German-Japanese school education projects using real time interactive audio-visual distance learning between remote classrooms. In periods of 8-12 weeks, two classes are dealing with the same subject matter, exchanging materials and results via e-mail and Internet. At 3 or 4 occasions the classes met on…

This study investigated the communication styles of 5 mentors in telementoring a class of 33 preservice teachers. Electronic forum was the instrument of communication between the mentors and the students, and a Web-based computer mediated communication system was used to facilitate the instruction in the course. Data collected in an 8-week period…

This paper presents strategies and rationales for implementing certain instructional techniques to move a class from cohort to community. The context is the new Distance Master's program in Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University. The authors give suggestions for instructional and non-instructional strategies that have students…

According to the literature, the purpose of professional development is to improve student learning. It was noted that there appeared to be a direct correlation between the depth of the teacher's content knowledge, methodologies, student-teacher relationships, and reflection, that when applied to an improvement in practices, positively affected…

Presents ideas for increasing the level of student interaction in "tele-teaching" (distance learning) courses. Highlights include icebreakers; daily activities for review or class preparation; student-centered activities to replace lectures; and handouts incorporating interactive learning. (AEF)

The Internet and the National Information Infrastructure provide a multimedia environment for offering distributed distance education over wide area networks. Distributed education encompasses practices where geographically dispersed learning resources share communication. Discusses advantages of distributed education and examines the educational…

The Maryland Higher Education Commission investigated the effectiveness of electronically mediated instruction for distance education, including interactive and noninteractive video, computer-aided instruction, and audio-only instruction. Interactivity was found to be an important factor in student achievement, whether in the classroom or through…

Investigated the reactions of Korean students studying English-as-a-Foreign- Language (EFL) to computer-mediated writing instruction. Students participated in a computer assisted language learning (CALL) program framed on the process approach to teaching writing. Analysis of students' journals indicated that CALL was a helpful tool for learning to…

Reports on a descriptive study with 75 intermediate college learners of German participating in two sessions of synchronous computer mediated communication during the course of a semester that investigated students' flaming behavior--aggressive interpersonal language and rude behavior. Shows that not only is flaming a very infrequent occurrence,…

Examines the use of computer conferencing in a graduate course to explore the potential of a collective electronic student journal as an alternative to individual journal writing. Presents excerpts of messages from the computer conference and feedback from participants. Findings indicate that teachers can successfully use computer conferencing as…

Presents perspectives of teaching and learning via Internet-based courses. The courses discussed use the Web as a delivery system, not as the primary content. Describes courses offered and course organization; instructors' perspectives--from traditional distance education teaching to Web-based teaching; the role of Web consultants; and student…

Describes the experiences learned in using the Internet for teaching students at the master level. Focuses on what seems to work and what does not work. Discusses the minimum equipment needed to make the course a successful one. (AEF)

Discusses the adoption of online instruction for distance education in the context of the Open University of Hong Kong. Academic and non-academic services that can be offered online are described. The importance and benefits of instituting electronic tutorials are addressed, including time savings, peer interactivity, and student/tutor…

Identifies reasons for using discussions as part of online courses. Outlines a framework for designing successful discussions; presents guidelines for facilitating discussions for maximum learning; and discusses evaluation of online discussions. Three figures list the four steps or components that are involved with each of these processes. (AEF)