The focus of this paper is Web-based learning environments and the tools that can support learning. The paper suggests that tools affect learning, and examines how this information should influence the Web-based learning environment. The paper begins with a theoretical foundation of tool effects on people, followed by a summary of research on the…

This paper addresses the importance of assessing and realizing students' needs and expectations while developing a virtual learning environment (VLE). The project Virtual OR/MS is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of the German Government. It involves seven German partners from six universities. The goal of the project…

Alberta recently mandated an ICT (information and communications technology) Program of Studies that requires the infusion of digital technologies into core curricula and across all grades. Effective implementation of ICT demands that all teachers create inquiry-based, technology enabled learning environments for children. The design of digital…

Learning is an active, constructive and collaborative process, where people construct knowledge from their experiences in the world. People construct new knowledge with particular effectiveness when they engage in constructing personally meaningful products, that is meaningful to themselves or to others around them. The construction of knowledge…

The purpose of this study was to design and develop a multimedia-based anchored program and to examine the effects of students' and group characteristics on the problem-solving process in anchored instruction with the multimedia program in a situated learning environment. Sixty-eight students were assigned to small groups via a stratified random…

The Didactics of Informatics research group at the University of Paderborn (Germany) is involved in efforts to design, implement and evaluate a curriculum for Media education for prospective teachers at the secondary school level. One major issue is the question of whether it is necessary for future teachers to learn the basic concepts of…

This paper reviews a set of studies that examined what students learn in various virtual reality environments (VREs) designed to promote an understanding of environmental science. The goal of the reported studies was to provide an update to the classic distinction between the role of media versus method in promoting learning (Clark, 1999). Media…

This paper provides an initial examination of over 614 undergraduate multimedia courses now available in the United Kingdom with discussion centered on reasons for recent course expansion. Areas of specific growth and issues of course design are presented in the analysis and discussion. Changes in the application of multimedia from…

The instructional design interactions, practices, and strategies used by three selected instructors teaching distance education courses at Texas A&M University were examined in a case study. Data were collected through unstructured interviews, participant observations, and examination of course documents. The three instructors were selected so…

This paper examines the various uses of video, microcomputer and related media technologies as effective instructional design tools. Highlights include descriptions of: the Telecommunications Department at Indiana University; an evaluation of telecourses through student questionnaires and identification of those students who might have problems…

New approaches to teaching and learning are common, but nothing will change unless these ideas are brought to the frontlines of the classroom. Facing the challenge to incorporate varied innovative teaching and learning strategies, set statewide and schoolwide goals, and implement standards, schools need a systematic, consistent framework and high…

Experiential learning is a client-focused, supported approach to individual, group, or organizational development, which engages the young or adult learner, using the elements of action, reflection, and transfer. This book explores the theory and practice of experiential learning as the basis for designing and delivering effective learning…

This paper reviews an earlier study examining the variables affecting the success of distance learning programs. In 1995, Dr. Ellen Wagner developed a list identifying the following 16 variables which need to be considered if a distance learning program is to be successful: needs assessment; audience analysis; instructional design; course…

International collaborative learning is becoming more viable through a variety of Internet enabled software products. Group Support Systems appear to offer promise. But it is not well understood how to facilitate the teaching and learning process in electronic environments. If education is to involve an interactive process of collaborative inquiry…

This yearbook for the Massachusetts Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (MASCD) provides educators with models of successful practices and raises questions and potential solutions to issues of accountability, policy, long-term planning, funding, and student motivation for learning. This 1998 yearbook assists educators at all…