Discussion of computer mediated communication for interactive learning focuses on a study of social science students conducted at Southern Cross University (Australia) that investigated students' perceptions of the importance of online discussion. Topics include social cohesion; social constructivism; benchmarking; student motivation and…

"SeeWord" is a highly configurable word processing environment, which assists dyslexic users in producing and reading text. Three prototypes of the software were developed and evaluated. The third was used in an experimental study with six dyslexic school pupils. Research showed five out of the six, aged 14-16, years benefited from use of…

Explores why "learning" and "object" have been combined in the field of instructional technology. Examines why current definitions of these terms are lacking when looked at from a standards and interoperability point of view. Suggests a new definition with a rationale to satisfy needs of technologists for precise, practical…

Presents an overview of various efforts toward developing online education in China, and describes the progress that has been made both in the areas of higher education and basic education in recent years. Introduces some ongoing national projects related to online education. Discusses issues pertinent to online education and provides…

Discusses how the Web is used and applied in online learning in Taiwan. Presents five different aspects of how Web-based online learning is facilitated--courseware-, theory-, instruction-, community- and assessment-oriented--with detailed descriptions of projects implemented over the last several years. Emphasizes a call for a localized approach…

Discusses pertinent issues relating to implementing online learning models in a higher education context. These issues include the changing roles of staff and students as they adopt new learning approaches; the notions of flexible learning and delivery; and the quality of education provided. (AEF)

Describes a science activity appropriate for middle and high school students investigating the temperature, pH, and conductivity of a man-made lake. Uses an inquiry-based interdisciplinary approach. Collects and analyzes data to determine whether there is any significant difference among the factors considering the very little variance in lake…

Compares and contrasts the technology talk of novice and expert teachers of English-as-a-Second-or Other-Language (ESOL) K-8 Language and literacy. Interview data with eight teachers illustrates the conceptual and practical differences between those who have adapted technologies as powerful teaching and learning tools and those who speak about it…

Describes a survey of post-secondary students that assessed conceptions of learning and their preparation for the workplace. Highlights include use of information technology; perceptions of the learning environment; perceptions of learning needs and skills; perceptions of the demands of the future workplace; and lifelong learning. (LRW)

Discussion of the field of educational technology focuses on the influence of instructional design on its development. Topics discussed include instructional applications of the systems approach; programed instruction; learning strategies, including large group and small group instruction and independent study; and behaviorist, cognitivist, and…

Investigates the many different desktop publishing packages available today. Lists the steps to desktop publishing. Suggests which package to use with specific hardware available. Compares several packages for IBM, Mac, and Apple II based systems. (MVL)

Examines current use of computers by historians and teachers of history. Attempts to predict extent of their use in next decade. Focuses on the use of four types of computer programs: word processors; spreadsheets and statistical packages; database management programs; and simulations. States that the computer is a tool historians can use to make…

Reviews the literature on the effectiveness of computer-controlled videodisc and videobased technology in the presentation of story information. An adult mediator can enhance young children's understanding of a story. (BB)

Presents an overview of educational technologies available for use with special education students in rural areas, including teleconferencing, computers, electronic mail, and interactive videodisc. Examines benefits and weaknesses of telecommunications use for students, teachers, and administrators. (SV)

This discussion of the need to properly train teachers to use the new educational technologies effectively highlights articles that appear in this issue. Preservice and inservice teacher training are discussed, the role of the school districts is examined, and future needs are briefly explored. (LRW)