Recent penetration of the Internet in every aspect of society is remarkable. Along with various types of access methods being developed, information contents and services provided through them have also become available in a broad variety. The mobile phone systems capable of accessing the Internet have become very popular in Japan in the past…

This document discusses how in 1999, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges began 2 major projects to develop and improve online learning and courses. The first project (a U.S. Department of Education Demonstration for financial aid rule waivers) examines current rules intended for on-campus programs in the case of online…

This paper reports the results of a study conducted with non-IS undergraduate students undertaking an online distance education class. Although the sample size is small and there is some self-selection, it provides some preliminary answers to what such students see as the advantages and disadvantages of online education, whether these perceptions…

Colleges of business are particularly known for assigning large-scale team projects as a means of enhancing learning. Though students may assemble in one location for "traditional" classroom-based learning, time and distance may create challenges as students attempt to fulfill requirements associated with large-scale team projects. This study…

In this study, students who registered for a course at the Open University of Israel could choose the tutorial method they preferred: group face-to-face tutorials with a local tutor in their residential vicinity; tutorials via satellite broadcasting to groups of students around the country; or getting the same satellite tutorial at home on the…

It is important to build a community of learners so that cooperative learning takes place. This is more difficult to accomplish online, where the lecturer has to overcome the natural reticence of students to post in shared class spaces. This paper suggests contructive methods of ensuring the success of an online course. These include: (1)…

This study identified student reasons for participating in synchronous Web-based learning environments. Students were interviewed after completing a series of surveys designed to elicit their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the delivery methodology. Responses indicated that both convenience and learning enhancement were considered…

This paper addresses the importance of assessing and realizing students' needs and expectations while developing a virtual learning environment (VLE). The project Virtual OR/MS is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of the German Government. It involves seven German partners from six universities. The goal of the project…

Oklahoma Christian University has implemented a ubiquitous computing program where every student and faculty member are equipped with IBM ThinkPad laptops that are connected to a wireless network. The technological enhancements provided by this program helped to create an environment where collaboration between students and faculty could be…

Alberta recently mandated an ICT (information and communications technology) Program of Studies that requires the infusion of digital technologies into core curricula and across all grades. Effective implementation of ICT demands that all teachers create inquiry-based, technology enabled learning environments for children. The design of digital…

This paper describes a prototype of a development project for practicum classes in the Hong Kong Institute of Education. An in-house development of a streaming video system is used for improving student teaching by building a digitized video database from a variety of sources. The main objective is to develop an interactive web-based video…

This issue of "Tap into Learning" continues an exploration of ways computers can support student learning. As in previous issues, a constructivist learning theory is used as a framework for discussion. This issue examines the notion that social interaction plays an important part in the construction of knowledge. Articles include: "Communication:…

This collection of commissioned papers provides a variety of perspectives on the impact of global information networks. The following articles are included: "The Promise of Global Networks: An Introduction" (Jorge Reina Schement); "Architecture and Expectations: Networks of the World--Unite!" (Marjory S. Blumenthal); "The…

All 16 Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states have high school students receiving courses electronically, according to a recent SREB survey of state departments of education. Courses are delivered electronically to high school students in the SREB region primarily through three methods: satellite, compressed video, and the Web. Although…

Nearly 90% of all University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) students and staff are regular users of e-mail. The University has taken advantage of this widespread use and replaced many paper distributions--payroll earnings statements, unofficial transcripts, degree audits, adviser grade reports, bills, et cetera--with distribution via e-mail.…