Suggests that most instructors, administrators, and software developers assume that online interaction collaboration among students must follow the same format as traditional interaction in face-to-face classrooms. Describes examples of virtual classrooms that use the Web to create new kinds of possibilities for collaboration and learning. (LRW)

Presents several strategies that have proven successful for community building in Web-based learning environments. Discusses challenges to community building in terms of space, time, and tools, and how to overcome these challenges. (EV)

This paper describes the GEOTEL system which was designed for self-paced distance education, mostly for continuing education, and provides an interactive, adaptive, tutor-aided, Web-based learning environment for learners grouped in virtual classrooms. Web tools currently available for building distance education systems are also evaluated.…

Considers how to maintain academic integrity when using Web-based instruction in higher education. Highlights include standards for traditional courses; accountability; secure testing; and creating a virtual community, including collaborative learning elements. (LRW)

This report provides a summary and analysis of activities and trends of virtual schools (i.e., educational organizations that offer K-12 courses through Internet- or World Wide Web-based methods) across the United States. The study provides analysis of trends based on an online survey of state-approved or regionally accredited schools conducted…

This document contains the following full and short papers on virtual laboratories, classrooms, and schools from ICCE/ICCAI 2000 (International Conference on Computers in Education/International Conference on Computer-Assisted Instruction): (1) "A Collaborative Learning Support System Based on Virtual Environment Server for Multiple…

This document contains the following papers on graduate and inservice telecommunications from the SITE (Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education) 2001 Conference: (1) "Teaching Technology with Technology" (Michelle Adelman and Susan Luftschein); (2) "Standards of Practice: Online Educator Inservice Workshop" (Cathy and Terry…

This document provides a checklist for the development of effective instructional Web sites that promote student learning and enable instructors to enact the principles of good teaching. The information presented is valuable for instructors of online courses and faculty members who utilize instructional sites to supplement face-to-face classroom…

Describes an Internet-based learner-centered education course offered by a Florida community college. Explains that the course was designed to address the issue of isolation caused by virtual classrooms; it used a combination of class meetings, field experience, and virtual classrooms. (NB)

Describes TELD (Teaching by Examples and Learning by Doing), a Web-based online courseware engine for higher education. Topics include problem-based learning; project-based learning; case methods; TELD as a Web server; course materials; TELD as a search engine; and TELD as an online virtual classroom for electronic delivery of electronic…

This paper presents a case study analyzing the instructional design process and interactive World Wide Web product developed by instructional technology graduate students at Virginia Tech to support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) CONNECT distance education program. The NASA CONNECT program is described, and the various…

This document reports on outcomes of online courses offered at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), California, during the three semesters from fall 2000 to fall 2001. The study combines a comparative and exploratory design to investigate the demographic makeup and academic success of online students compared to peer on campus classes and the campus…

This report presents the findings and recommendations from a study of school district and charter school participation in the Texas Virtual School Pilot (VSP). The report also provides an overview of the activities of the charter schools and districts that participated in the first year of the pilot program. This information includes descriptions…

Discusses issues related to online courses. Highlights include virtual high schools; online learning environments; changing teacher roles; changing student roles; library media centers, resources, and library media specialists; characteristics of quality online courses; online library science and school media programs; copyright; intellectual…

This study compares the learning styles of community college students who have enrolled in an online course via the Internet with the learning styles of comparable community college students who are taking the same course on-campus in the community college setting. The students taking the online course were off-campus students. A sample consisting…