The Internet is impacting all aspects of traditional universities. Faculty, students, and the physical campus itself are facing the challenge of keeping up with technology. Communication departments will have the opportunity and the necessity to incorporate new tools into their methods of teaching as well as into their curricula. (Author)

Discussion of audioteleconferencing highlights the possibilities of telephone technology, student-teacher interaction, peer interaction, face-to-face interaction versus distance education, the role of tutors or faculty, and the need for more extensive training for students and tutors. (LRW)

Uses meta-analysis on teaching strategies research in science and finds that the so-called alternative science teaching strategies are more effective than traditional science teaching strategies. Shows that inquiry-oriented instruction characterizes the alternative strategies and distinguishes them from traditional science teaching strategies. (SR)

Discussion of electronic learning and Web-based learning focuses on blended learning programs which can include offline and online learning; self-paced and live, collaborative learning; structured and unstructured learning; and custom content and off-the-shelf content. Describes a model, called Khan's Octagonal Framework, which can be used to…

Discussion of computer-based simulations focuses on the development of a coaching agent as an alternative to traditional feedback for a multimedia simulation that will help change training from traditional instructor-led courses to learn-by-doing simulations for point-of-need training. The limitations of traditional feedback are examined. (LRW)

Discussion of adapting established classroom practices to new online environments identifies the instructional strategies that lead to successful classroom teaching and describes an online system, WebTeach, that provides structured teacher-learner interactions and is used at the University of New South Wales. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study conducted on the attitudes of students towards the integration of the Web as a channel of communication and a study tool in traditional distance teaching of Computer Science (CS) at the Open University of Israel. Results of questionnaires show the Web cannot substitute entirely for face-to-face learning. (Author/LRW)

Examines relationships between student personality and choice of traditional on-campus or online college classes. Data show differences in personality, age, and computer experience between online and on-campus students and help to elucidate characteristics of students selecting the online venue for college classes and/or curricula. Results are…

Describes the use of WebCT course management software to teach a hybrid course in graduate library science at Rowan University (New Jersey). Discusses the combination of conventional face-to-face instruction with distance education; integrating use of the Internet; password-protected Web sites; and technical difficulties, including access to…

Discussion of two basic organizational models for distance education systems or institutions focuses on the mixed-mode organization at the University of Zambia. Highlights include the development, production, storage, and distribution of teaching materials; communication channels between students and teachers; and the record-keeping system. (11…

Details a study of the need or wisdom of universities and colleges to include lab sections of courses that are offered to teach software. No significant difference was found in the knowledge gained for those students who participated in the lab in addition to the lecture/demonstration, but the students who participated in the lab completed their…

Describes a project developed at Loughborough University (United Kingdom) to evaluate the application of flexible learning techniques to an information technology-based database concepts course. Results of course evaluation questionnaires are discussed, as well as test scores, which indicate no strong differences when compared with conventionally…

A study compared the performance of two groups of university students. One group (n=40) was taught calculus using a computer algebra system whereas the other (n=41) used paper-and-pencil computations. The computer group scored significantly higher than their counterparts on both a conceptual knowledge test and a calculus computational exam. (JJK)

Results of this study supported the belief that whole language strategies and routines used in first grade classrooms will yield scores on traditional reading standardized achievement tests that are comparable or superior to those resulting from the use of basal reader programs. (Author/IAH)

This study assessed teachers' beliefs about the effectiveness of various instructional media across a diverse set of learning situations. Subjects were 87 preservice teachers at a major northeastern university. A confirmatory factor analysis supported two latent constructs representing beliefs about traditional and technology-based instructional…