Traces the development of an online unit for Indigenous Australian learners, and accounts for cultural issues that impacted on the design of learning tasks and the associated avenues for communication provided to learners. In this context, culturally responsive design was ensured by the adoption of Lave's (1991) community of practice model. (AEF)

Argues that promoters and opponents of online education are mistaken. Although technology can be used to enhance the college curriculum, it is useful mainly for such efforts as low-tech, labor-intensive writing instruction. It cannot replace the advantages of face-to-face instruction but should be developed to meet practical instructional needs…

Reports on a comparative study in the United Kingdom of how a group of children with emotional and behavioral difficulties and children who attend a mainstream school use the computer application, Bubble Dialogue, to express themselves. Discusses strategies the children used to resolve interpersonal conflicts and implications of results. (AEF)

Describes the steps necessary for changing a traditional graduate course into a Web-based course. Discusses the three stages of Web-based instruction: design, development, and delivery. Outlines methods of assessing student achievement. Primary characteristic needed by the instructor was flexibility during the entire process. (AEF)

Examines the extent and characteristics of Internet use among junior- and senior high school students in Israel. Discusses the link between Internet use and school activities, age and sex differences, and findings that indicate primary use is for communication with search for information as a secondary reason for Internet use. (Contains 16…

Describes the growth and accomplishments of Digital Libraries Initiative Phase 2 (DLI-2), lists performer and abstract information for Fiscal Year 1999 awards; progress in reference linking for journal articles with model; presents a Geospatial Knowledge Representation System (GKRS) prototype that integrates multiple knowledge sources to support…

Details the Collaborative Teacher Education Program (CTEP) at Indiana University, which offers Web-based continuing education courses to teachers in rural communities. Modes of delivery include videoconferencing, Web-based conferencing and instruction, and a completely Web-based course. Learner-centered instruction is promoted in three main areas:…

Describes a case study involving the implementation of computer-mediated communications via the Internet linking two university instructional design classes in two different countries. Includes examples from student discussions, demonstrates the impact of discussions on the design projects, and considers access to computers and implications for…

Examines experiences of Park College (Missouri) (Park University as of January 1, 2000) in developing an online distance learning program that serves more than 1,700 students per term worldwide. Discusses the pilot course; first terms online; motivations and preconditions necessary for success; profit/nonprofit perspective; leadership; types of…

This study analyzed discussion in an online conference that supplemented class discussion using an instructional method called the starter-wrapper technique within a graduate level educational psychology course. Describes use of a model for content analysis of computer-mediated communication and examines five variables, including student…

Reports on a study that utilized surveys, interviews, and a modified focus group to examine the perceptions of graduate students regarding the effectiveness of computer-conferencing communication on higher-order learning. Recommendations for effective computer conferencing are included that address organization of content, small-group interaction,…

Describes the use of CMT (computer-mediated communications) to help ELT (English-language training, or English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) acquire high-level communication, cultural, and employability skills as well as language skills for postsecondary studies and employment. (LRW)

Investigates the impact of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology in an interactive environment providing distance education in library and information science at two San Jose State University (California) sites. The main purpose of the study was to develop a reliable and valid evaluation instrument. Contains 6 tables. (Author/AEF)

The literature on language diversity, linguistic human rights, and language renewal is reviewed, and Web sites dedicated to Aboriginal languages are examined. The Internet provides a resource center where grammars, lexicons, fonts, and other resources can be developed; a means of learning languages; and a medium for communicating in Aboriginal…

Describes experiences in providing real-time online reference services to users with remote Web access at the Bowling Green State University library. Discusses the decision making process first used to select HumanClick software to communicate via chat; and the selection of a fee-based customer service product, Virtual Reference Desk. (LRW)