The Internet was not invented for education at beginning (Pett Grabinger, 1995), but it has influenced educational systems considerably, especially by providing another way for distance learning. This powerful communication function is superior to any other educational media. Students can conduct their own self-directed learning without…

Reports mixed evidence regarding the success of charter schools after 10 years, especially on the issue of academic achievement. Includes brief summaries of four recent studies on charter schools. Describes growth of for- profit and online charter schools. (PKP)

3-dimensional online learning environments can provide a means for users with limited connectivity to the Internet to participate as fully as their broadband-enabled peers in collaborative experiences, information sharing and feedback. Nearly 90% of the universities in the USA that support distributed learning programmes use web-based course…

Student participation in online learning activities is a growing priority for Australian government schools. 'Online projects' have emerged as a new learning form, building on non-computer problem-based learning approaches. This paper reports on a study of online learning projects implemented in classes from year 2 to year 11. The purported…

Because assessment reflects course pedagogy, aims, objectives but also broader institutional and cultural expectations, traditional examination still has a role in the new media of asynchronous, distance learning. This paper recounts experiences of incorporating such examination within an Internet-delivered, GIScience programme, outlining some…

Discusses design principles derived from the socio-cognitive theoretical framework for developing Web-based environments to support the construction of scientific knowledge through situated action. (Author/MM)