Discussion of synchronous computer mediated communications over the Internet focuses on the opportunities and pitfalls of using graphical chat programs in education. Topics include two-dimensional and three-dimensional chat programs; distance education; problem solving groups; exploring cultural differences; language skill development;…

Discusses the use of problem-based learning to meet technology standards. Highlights include technology as a tool for locating and organizing information; the Wolf Wars problem for elementary and secondary school students that provides resources, including Web sites, for information; Web-based problems; and technology as assessment and as a…

Describes a study that evaluated a network-based hypertext discussion tool (HDT) for teaching literature to adolescents by investigating whether the incorporation of the HDT into students' homework routine raised achievement over traditional discussion and text-based homework. Considers student feedback and attitudes toward learning with the HDT.…

Extended the application of student evaluations of college faculty by using them as the basis for staff development. Staff and student surveys examined each group's priorities for academic and course development. Significant differences were found between the two groups' perceptions. Collaborative student-staff groups developed booklets using…

Discussion of part-time distance education for adult learners in Africa focuses on an evaluation of an adult education degree program at the National University of Lesotho (South Africa). Topics include program management; characteristics of adult learners; program delivery; performance assessment; gender differences; and socio-metric variables.…

The ways that users of the modern library select and move among its services can be investigated and the picture so obtained complements that obtained from surveys on the effectiveness of individual services. A methodology is described that aids in the acquisition and analysis of data on the order of use of information services (applicable to any…

Describes the possibilities and problems that computer-generated portfolios will soon present to instructors across America. Highlights include the history of portfolio assessment, logistical problems of handling portfolios in the traditional three-ring binder format, use of the zip drive for storage, and software/hardware compatibility problems.…

Reports on an action research project evaluating the application of distance learning approaches in a new undergraduate degree program in the United Kingdom. Examines the integration of e-mail, computer conferencing, video conferencing, and satellite broadcasts with written module material and work-based learning. (Author/LRW)

This article explores the identification of culturally diverse gifted students and provides the following suggestions: train teachers to look for gifted behaviors in different areas, use portfolios in assessments, change perceptions of innate abilities of students, recognize potential that can be developed, and recognize giftedness other than…

This review of scholarly communication and bibliometrics discusses relational link analysis; evaluative link analysis; measures of evaluation for documents, people, journals, organizations, and nations; theoretical foundations of link analysis; author self-citation; quality; popularity; citation-worthiness; credit-worthiness; digital libraries;…

This article addresses various methods of assessment and support of social competence in school and the community to prepare individuals with mild to moderate disabilities for adulthood. It emphasizes that transition planning and preparation is a continual process that begins in early school experiences and continues through adulthood. (Contains…

Describes distance education courses developed by the mathematics department at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs that were offered over the Internet. Highlights include motivation for the courses, including student needs; incorporation of traditional classroom elements into the presentations; selection of appropriate equipment;…

Considers the suitability of criteria-specific rating scales in the selection of high school students for participation in an honors ensemble. Criteria-specific music-performance rating scales include written descriptions of specific levels of performance rather than simple numerical notations. Concludes that these scales can be used with…

Describes an approach to using new technologies in online education that consciously uses the multiplicity of options that these technologies provide. Provides a case study of an online course in a master of education program and examines multiplicity in contexts for learning, instructional media, instructional formats, learning activities, and…

Expounds that "The Geography Discipline Network Guides on Teaching, Learning, and Assessment" that were produced by the English Geography Discipline Network are a worthwhile addition to the efforts to promote geographic literacy. Maintains that there are deficiencies since the guides aim only at individual lecturers and instructors of geography.…