This study examined the effects of collaboration mode (collocated versus non-collocated videoconferencing-mediated) on team learning and team interaction quality in a team-based problem solving context. Situated learning theory and the theory of affordances are used to provide a framework that describes how technology-mediated collaboration…

Faculty who offer university-level technical courses through e-Learning environments must surmount several difficult challenges. Traditionally, learning in technical courses takes place through real-time interactions between instructor and students in the course of solving actual problems--a form of activity that is not possible in asynchronous…

As part of a multiyear research study on the preparation of educators to use assessment data for instructional improvement, the present study is a pilot test of a research-based professional development intervention for career-technical teachers. Forty-eight educators at nine sites in five states participated in a 1-day workshop followed by…

Reports on the use of electronic mail and an electronic conferencing system to conduct group projects in three educational psychology courses at the State University of New York College at Cortland. Course design is explained and group project design is described, including assignments and oral presentations during regular class sessions.…

Computer conferencing in distance education programs provides increased flexibility and more student interaction. The Center for Distance Learning of SUNY Empire State College has developed workshops and materials for faculty development in online course delivery. Describes a model for online tutor development using periodic reviews and workshops…

Describes the planning and implementation of an online writing center for adult students of SUNY Empire State College, a non-residential, independent-study distance-learning institution. Highlights informational and facilitative properties of hypertext and the need for a personalized instructor "voice." Components of the program included…

Investigates the impact created by the use of videoconferencing technology in a large MIS class where, traditionally, lecture had been used. Even though 85% of the students who participated in the classes were non-MIS majors, students in the videoconferencing section perceived it to be more useful, challenging, attractive, and clear compared to…

Focuses on pedagogical communication patterns between students and tutors in a telecommunications learning environment. Results of evaluating student behavior in a set of telelearning computer science courses show that they differentiate between the personal dimension of communicating with others and the group dimension which enables true…

Based on analysis of discussions of fiction using Dedalus Interchange in literary analysis classes, it was found that synchronous electronic conferencing exposed students to more viewpoints, deemphasized traditional authority, increased metalinguistic awareness, decreased inhibition and gender barriers, and facilitated increased social…

Presents a typology of course-delivery techniques (technology as a supplement, conferencing technology as a supplement, and technology as the primary instructional mode) used by the Center for Distance Learning at the State University of New York Empire State College. Describes instructional considerations for each type and approaches used for…

Describes an integrated computer-based conferencing and mail system called ICMS (Integrated Conferencing and Mail System) that was developed to encourage students to participate in class discussions more actively. The menu-driven user interface is explained, and ICMS's role in promoting self-assessment and critical thinking is discussed. (eight…

Describes a study that investigated the use of computer conferencing systems in a masters-level professional health care program. Previous research is reviewed; message content (i.e., socio-emotional activity versus task activity) is discussed; and the model development of the discipline is used to compare course content. (Contains 42 references.)…