Describes a successful experiment in the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program at Harvard University to combine traditional classroom learning with synchronous online learning. Rather than delivering content to individual students, the effort focuses on creating an interactive online class that maximizes student participation. (EV)

Explored the professional development experiences of 28 practicing teachers involved in a two-year technology supported problem-based learning curriculum development effort. Discusses collaboration in teaching and the use of asynchronous computer-mediated communication and compares that discourse with the discourse produced by teachers in…

Describes research that used formative evaluation methods to examine synchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems for online learning at the University of Hawaii. Discusses learner-centeredness, constructivism, and sociocultural theories that were used as the bases for the design of synchronous activities and recommends 10 desirable…

Outlines the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) ladder adoption model which represents a limited/limiting vision of government-inspired support for ICT (Information and Communications Technology) implementation and development needs of firms in the small business sector of the UK economy. A more discriminate approach is recommended, focused…

This paper draws attention to a knowledge gap in leadership models regarding bullying, particularly cyberbullying, an emergent form of student harassment. Given that parents are suing schools for failing to protect victims of bullying, educators need guidance in addressing harassment and discriminatory discourse in popular youth culture. The focus…

In this article, issues of identity in second language (L2) learning are examined by using discourse analysis and ethnographic observations to analyze electronic bulletin board postings by ESOL students in a content-based class as they participated in discussions about gay rights and homosexuality. Drawing on notions of identity construction,…

Because students in online distance courses use e-mail (a hot medium) to communicate, their messages often are filled with emotion, causing problems for teachers. This article describes the kinds of messages that men and women write and suggests strategies for course design to help defuse some of the emotion.

A special feature in the previous issue acknowledged the magazine's 25th anniversary, and current columnists as well as former contributors were asked to think back over their work and to share favorite covers, articles, and memories. Since I have been writing for CIL for nearly 18 years, I had plenty of past columns to review. It was interesting…

This study investigates how 2 types of graphical representation tools influence the way in which learners use knowledge resources in 2 different collaboration conditions. In addition, the study explores the extent to which learners share knowledge with respect to individual outcomes under these different conditions. The study also analyzes the…

This study examined the impact of structuredness of asynchronous online discussion protocols and evaluation rubrics on meaningful discourse. Transcripts of twelve online discussions involving 87 participants from four sections of a graduate course entitled Instructional Technology Foundations and Learning Theory were analysed across four…

The rapid advance of distance learning and networking technology has enabled universities and corporations to reach out and educate students across time and space barriers. Although this technology enables structured collaborative learning activities, online groups often do not enjoy the same benefits as face-to-face learners, and their…

This article explores student teachers' views of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in schools. There is limited research literature regarding the perceptions that such students develop in relation to the use of ICT in teaching while observing practice in schools. The paper offers an interpretive analysis of the opinions…

When I turned to asynchronous delivery of content for a recent educational research and evaluation course, I wanted to supplement threaded discussions with social interactions to better support meaningful learning and allow students to make knowledge their own. I incorporated synchronous small group discussions among peers to replace some of what…

Learning communities gained attention in 1984 after the publication of the "Involvement in Learning" report, which was sponsored by the U.S. Education Department. The authors of the report stated that active engagement in learning processes enhances learning and leads to two fundamental principles: (1) The amount of student learning and personal…

The purpose of this project was to provide a resource for distance education graduate students or their instructors to help students excel in their online programs. The researchers interviewed 15 people, consisting of current students and recent graduates. Participants provided information about the nature of online courses, why these courses were…