This paper critically reflects upon the questions asked and the models and methods employed to evaluate online learning in several studies. These online studies range from setting up online networks for social interaction and facilitating collaborative learning experiences among graduate students in several universities, to moderating worldwide…

Presents the case study of an online conference for students of English in a teacher education course. Argues electronic conferencing reveals the inadequacy of the concept of "reflective practitioner" to describe and analyze the complex process of teacher development. Demonstrates the social character of learning, highlighting the place…

Findings show that home and school cooperation improves student academic achievement; technology-enhanced communication between home and school receives little attention. This article examines the strategic planning behind the Keystone Central School District (Clinton County, PA) technology plan to improve home and school communication using the…

The Nonprofit Prophets, a telecommunications-infused community action project, was designed for high school students. Students were teamed with a nonprofit organization and produced videoconferences or Web sites for them. Although specific skills were acquired, students also gained confidence and self-esteem as well as a belief that they…

A five-year longitudinal study of undergraduate use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) found that student attitudes were stable, despite technological change; student expectations had increased; and student utilization of CMC was still primarily for course-related information. The study concluded that CMC can be best used as a complement…

Explores the use of MOO (multi-user object oriented) virtual environments in academic libraries to enhance reference services. Highlights include the development of multi-user database (MUD) technology from gaming to non-recreational settings; programming issues; collaborative MOOs; MOOs as distinguished from other types of virtual reality; audio…

An article and four sidebars examine tools that help information professionals perform efficient Internet searches. Topics include search engine features, integrated software applications, document management and creation utilities, the speed of online communications, intelligent agents for filtering information, cross-platform networking…

Describes efforts by Fairmont State College (West Virginia) librarians to use electronic mail and a listserv to instruct registrants in a multipart Internet seminar. The development, implementation, and subsequent evaluation of the program are discussed, along with the advantages and disadvantages of computer-mediated communication as the sole…

Children's television personality Fred Rogers describes an experimental e-mail program in which children were invited to express their concerns about school. He discusses the drawbacks of computers, as well as the benefit of interactivity, and emphasizes the importance of the teacher-child relationship. (AEF)

Examines current trends and directions in information technology and telecommunications. Discusses legislation; mergers and acquisitions; Internet service providers; fiscal control in libraries and the pooling of electronic information access through consortiums; demand for more bandwidth; technology selection; Internet usage patterns; the…

Describes the aims of an evolving teaching resources database, TeleTeach, which is part of a computer-based teacher support network called TeleNex. The article discusses how TeleTeach's unique features may contribute toward building an electronic community of reflective teachers, suggesting that teaching materials are potentially complementary to…

Provides an account of the perceptions and experiences of preservice teachers on the roles of their tutors in online discussions, based on a study at the National Institute of Education (Singapore). Reports results of a questionnaire survey, focus group interviews, and analyses of the discussion records. (Author/LRW)

Examines synchronous computer-mediated communication used in a university environment. Compared the level of participation among students and contrasted their written German chatroom discourse with their oral discourse produced in small face-to-face discussion groups. (Author/VWL)

Examines how social, cultural, and institutional affordances and constraints in a telecollaborative foreign language learning partnership shape the agency of online teachers. Details how various aspects of school and schooling impact the negotiation, execution and management of a German-American virtual course from the perspectives of the…

Discusses the trend toward online recruitment for librarians and describes a survey of library employees who had posted jobs online. Topics include reasons for online job postings; where positions were advertised, including types of Web sites and print media; electronic communication and emailed resumes; and the future of online recruitment. (LRW)