Highlights the important features of the University of Texas (UT) TeleCampus Master Plan, designed to support distance delivery of academic programs from all 15 UT component institutions. Discusses the student-centered learning approach; faculty issues; and the use of videoconferencing and the World Wide Web. (AEF)

Notes that Interdisciplinary Studies Program faculty at Wayne State University devised courses and assignments using computer conferencing to create a collaborative, democratic, and nonauthoritarian learning community. Discusses an assignment based on the film "Grand Canyon" that encouraged students to take on roles of their racial and…

Defines computer conferencing as teaching that involves students performing their learning activities in shared (networked) computer workplaces. Asserts that lecturing does not ensure learning, nor is it effective in showing students how to learn independently. Presents computer conferencing as a practical way to merge instructivism and…

Discusses the implementation of computer conferencing (CC) as a learning environment to supplement classroom instruction at the postsecondary level. The teacher's role, student characteristics, group dynamics, benefits and limitations, and orientation and training in computer conferencing technology are highlighted. A figure illustrates the…

Describes how multipoint desktop video conferencing (MDVC) is used in preservice teacher education programs in Singapore to enhance the professional development of student teachers by allowing them to share ideas, experiences, and teaching resources in real time with an audience wider than the schools in which they teach. Summative evaluations…

Describes the application of activity theory to considerations of enhancing learning through the use of technology in higher education. Includes two case studies that explore the use of ICT (information and communication technology), one using computer-mediated conferencing and one using a Web site. (Author/LRW)

Discusses results of an evaluation of a Web-based course at the United Kingdom's Open University relating to student satisfaction. Considers skills versus academic content, previous computing experience, interaction through computer conferencing, online group work, online tutoring, lack of time, and course revision; and compares results with three…

The use of modern information technology to deliver health services to remote locations presents both opportunities and problems for social workers. This article examines how communication technology such as e-mail and video conferencing affect social work practice. Issues are raised about the ethical, legal, and client relationship…

An evaluation of computer conferencing by student teachers and supervisors in four teacher-education programs found that during field experiences student teachers used computer conferencing primarily for exchanging emotional support and less for reflecting on teaching and exchanging pedagogical content. Results suggest attention should be paid to…

In this article, the author describes the importance of technology in distance learning for elementary education. Imagine having museums and expert teachers available at one's request. In their Rural Hall, North Carolina, elementary school, teachers and students just walk down the hall to the distance learning classroom and connect in a few…

Background: During a nine-week teaching practice, 20 student teachers spent about 1.5 hours each week videoconferencing with one university faculty member and five student teachers from five different schools, while the other 22 student teachers did not have any videoconferences. Both groups were encouraged to make conscious effort in talking to…

Facilitation by a moderator is crucial to a purposeful and productive conference. The moderator keeps the session focused, and ensures that all participants receive feedback regarding their contributions to the discussion. These functions are particularly important in the otherwise impersonal context of online discussion. The current report…

With the huge increase in online learning at colleges around the country, libraries need to consider how to serve the growing contingent of online students. Some typical library services include a Web site, remote access to databases, e-mail assistance, a toll-free phone number, a procedure for supplying library materials to students, FAQs,…

The Internet is many things to many people. Some see the Internet as the Wild West, a yawning wilderness waiting to be tamed and cultivated. For companies like eBay, the Internet is a steady, transaction-based revenue stream. For the dot-com companies, the Internet was perceived as a California gold rush. In terms of online library programming for…

K-12 schools are broadening their curriculum offerings to include audio, video, and other multimodal styles of communication. A combination of savvy digital natives, affordable software, and online tutoring has created a perfect opportunity to integrate professional level video and videoconferencing into curricula. Educators are also finding…