Defines social and instructional interaction and outlines key elements influencing the design of adaptive computer-mediated learning. Discusses options for the design of interactivity: Web-based, groupware, programming tools, and hybrid course design programs; proposes a graphical model for choosing design tools balancing interactivity and…

A study using a 43-item coding schedule examined 127 Web courses. After analyzing interrelationships between the variables and issues pertaining to accessibility, interaction, and attractiveness, a University of Wisconsin history course <http://hum.1ss.wisc.edu/hist102> was awarded a "Madonna" as best dressed, while an Illinois…

Describes the advantages of using a World Wide Web-based discussion board as the organizational center for a college chemistry course. Discusses implementation of the "ChemBoard" at Hope College in Michigan and student reactions to the innovation. (WRM)

Examines how pseudonymous identification in a computer-mediated communication (CMC) context might: (1) reflect a motivation for gender-based status parity and (2) mitigate supposed gender-based communication differences associated with social interdependence. Subjects were 114 undergraduate students who participated in computer-based…

Discusses possibilities for the application of telepresence to physics and teaching. Telepresence allows a computer user to effectively be present at some other location through the use of remote cameras, sensors, and controls. (WRM)

Describes attempts to move physics discussions out of the classroom and onto the Internet where students can participate any time through the use of an electronic message board. (WRM)

Suggests various methods to ensure quality assessment of distance learning. Discusses making student evaluation forms applicable to each course; surveys exposing weaknesses; assessing grades and grades as assessment factors; weighing in the attrition rate; inherent aspects of distance learning that provide means of assessment; and making virtual…

The traditional concept of community is considered and redefined in relation to the new phenomenon of virtual community, which offers an expansion, and significant changes, in professional relationships and activities. Perspectives are offered on community within organizations and professional groups, the role of professional community in higher…

Examines the development of information and communication technology (ICT) capability by associate-trainees on a postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE) course involving the promotion of ICT use during three classroom placements by in-school teacher-mentors. Considers the perceived effects on the trainees' development of ICT capability by the…

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…

Uses focus groups to facilitate identification and discussion of respondents' Internet experience. Explores respondents' awareness and experience of flow-identified in research as a key characteristic of Internet consumer behavior. Finds half the respondents recognized Internet flow experience and Internet flow seems to prolong Internet and Web…

Explored the opportunities presented by network-based communication to facilitate collaborative critical reflection between elementary and middle school teachers who were working on a curriculum development project. Considers self-efficacy and discusses results that showed that collaboratively produced network-based communication was significantly…

Describes part of a project of correspondence between a group of eighth graders and pre-service teachers in an attempt to prepare all students to work with diverse people and ideas. Hopes to enlarge the worlds of the students by putting them in contact with literature from diverse groups and joining them with diverse people from whom they could…

There is an increasing development of courses and course components taught through teaching and learning dialogues online yet there is little secure knowledge regarding the educational quality of these dialogues. Drawing on contemporary sociocultural research, this paper adapts a well-established analytical framework (see Mercer, 1995) that has…

This longitudinal case study draws on sociocultural theory to investigate language learning as a socially mediated process through computer-mediated communicative tasks in an international languages class. The study reports on the design, implementation, and outcomes of a thematic, task-based curricular innovation in which paired Korean-and…