The authors detail the design, implementation and evaluation of an eConference entitled "Biohorizons," using a presage-process-product model to describe the development of an eLearning community. Biohorizons was a summative learning and assessment task aiming to introduce large classes of first-year Human Biology students to the practices of…

This paper describes the construction and testing of a model designed to inform contributors to online collaborative dialogues about the nature of their contribution, and to guide the input from tutors who facilitate these dialogues. In particular, the model was designed to assist reflection on learning behaviours in online dialogues by…

The benefits of online collaborative learning, sometimes referred to as CSCL (computer-supported collaborative learning) are compelling, but many instructors are loath to experiment with non-conventional methods of teaching and learning because of the perceived problems. This paper reviews the existing literature to present the seven most commonly…

This paper uses the case-study method to examine detailed data related to student and tutor usage of an asynchronous discussion board as an interactive communication forum during a first-semester associate degree course in applied psychology at the City University of Hong Kong. The paper identifies "what works" in relation to discussion…

This paper addresses the controversial issues of improving the reading skills of young learners through technology-assisted reading programmes. On reporting the results of primary school learners from grade 2 to grade 7 who participated in a computer-based reading programme for seven months, we try to answer the critical questions of whether…

Now in a substantially revised and updated second edition, this comprehensive professional resource and text is based on cutting-edge research. In each chapter, leading scholars provide an overview of a particular aspect of comprehension, offer best-practice instructional guidelines and policy recommendations, present key research questions still…

This study investigated factors affecting second/foreign language (L2) reading comprehension in a hypermedia environment within the theoretical framework of dual coding and cognitive load theories, and interactive models of L2 reading. The independent variables were reading ability, topic interest, prior topical knowledge, and the number of times…

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is one of the most recent technologies to be adopted for use in distance education. It provides the means to establish an electronic classroom that is accessible to participants separated by physical distance or time. The literature on CMC is as varied as are the many applications. Most CMC publications are…

This collection of articles offers advice on concerns and decisions in planning or remodeling a language learning center, incorporation of satellite reception in the language lab, coping with different television standards and technologies in the language lab, testing language skills, and the role of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in language…

The new "Computers and Writing" course implemented by the division of rhetoric and composition at the University of Texas at Austin is an elective second-year writing course that satisfies the university's requirement for writing component courses. In this course, instructors and students generate and apply rhetorical terminology and…

Results are presented of a project that developed 12 social studies (specifically, directionality and geography) and critical thinking computerized instructional modules using multimedia instruction for students with learning disabilities at the upper elementary and lower intermediate school levels. Seven overarching principles were identified as…

In New Delhi (India), the Central Institute of Educational Technology in collaboration with Computer Maintenance Corporation and Kentucky Educational Television launched the Classroom 2000+ project to demonstrate the use of interactive technology for distance learning and to experiment with its development in various learning situations. Six…

This report describes the federally funded development and field testing of a math drill and practice computer software program for students with mild disabilities. Program features include: pre-assessment of pupil speed and accuracy, automatic placement of the pupil in appropriate problems for practice, automatic monitoring of pupil performance,…

In spring 1992, a study was performed to identify the current use of microcomputers for instruction at community colleges in Kansas. A questionnaire was sent to 20 community colleges, requesting information on subject areas in which computers are used in instruction, types and quantities of computers used, types of operating systems used, use of…

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual foundation for the development of hypermedia as an instructional tool for addressing individual learning style differences. Various learning theories and their relationship to hypermedia are examined, including information processing theory, semantic networks, concept webbing/mapping,…