Author describes an individual research project involving digital modeling of graded river profiles as part of a sophomore-level geomorphology class. The three-week project gives students the opportunity to choose research topics, design experiments to test ideas, interpret results, and write a research report. (PR)

A course in adult education techniques used game design and playing as an instructional method. A follow-up survey found the 11 participants valued the experience, had some difficulty with the group aspect of game development, were stimulated in different ways, felt grading criteria were appropriate, and would use the technique themselves. (MSE)

Discusses three types of journals: (1) writer's journals, which encourage recording of events for later literary work; (2) learning logs, which encourage interaction with curriculum content; and (3) diaries, which allow free flow of emotions and ideas. For each type, student samples and teacher comments are provided. (BC)

Suggests a teaching unit for U.S. history in which students research topics and write pulp magazine short stories. Provides detailed teaching model, including background information on pulp magazines, and classroom procedures for a four-week activity. Offers guidelines for plot outlines, format design, and evaluation criteria. (NL)

Notes that teachers can make writing assignments more acceptable by using innovative techniques. Suggests that using letter writing for research projects is a good motivational technique. Asks students to assume roles of persons of a specific historical period and write from the first-person perspective. Includes sample letter. (NL)

Describes the development and use of the Traveling Tales backpack for engaging children and parents in home writing activities. Shares the experiences of one child and how his family became involved in helping him write a book. (MG)

Contends that, although computers are used frequently in undergraduate experimental design and statistics courses, they also can be used in courses with different instructional objectives. Describes a course designed to teach the roles of professional psychologists through the use of computers. (CFR)

Describes having students write lab reports that concentrate more on writing and independent thought. Students take the role of scientists writing about their findings for publication. The teacher acts as a journal editor, reading the reports and either accepting them for publication or suggesting ways for improvement. (PR)

Examines barriers to student participation in online conferences, including psychological/social forces and software limitations. Proposes the following ways to encourage student input: require participation; form learning teams; make activities interesting; don't settle just for opinions; structure activities; require hand-in assignments; know…

Describes a course-integrated approach to library instruction for chemical information at the University of Florida that uses a Web page of library resources with links to library instruction modules and assignments. Implications for library staff, library resources, and the role of the library are discussed. (LRW)

Defines groupware and sets up a theoretical justification for its use in teaching. Using the groupware application Forum, shows how groupware can enable electronic discussion that captures the best features of both in-class discussion (dynamic interaction and cooperative learning) and writing assignments (thoughtful insights backed by careful…

Presents ideas for distance learning courses on the Web. Topics include students' individual characteristics; technology changes and problems; instructional design; deadlines for student assignments; monitoring student progress; giving students appropriate and timely feedback; time factors for students and teachers; active learning; and student…

An instructor taking an online course presents her view from the perspective of student. Discussion includes assuring the online course was acceptable for traditional course transfer credit; registering; e-mailing assignments while the Web conferencing system was down; class demographics; the backlog that occurred from not checking the system…

Interviews with 66 students, faculty, and administrators in ten departments of a large public research university revealed a number of factors instrumental in integrating first-year students successfully into graduate programs: a structured departmental orientation complementing the university-wide orientation; a culture of collegiality;…

Describes the geographic information systems (GIS) curriculum at Roosevelt Middle School (Florida); the program includes an interactive matrix of communicative hardware and geographic software. Discusses problem-solving assignments, program flexibility for individual needs, cooperative learning via online communication, and the need for students…