A survey of the users of an online computer-mediated matchmaking service showed that their communication patterns and objectives varied by their sex, shyness level, and appearance. Intrinsic aspects of this system helped some users overcome relationship-initiation barriers rooted in sex role, shyness, and appearance inhibitions. (Author)

Outlines design issues for developing an asynchronous distance course, including appropriate technology, format, academic rigor, communication and feedback, group identity, and evaluation. The components of a graduate course in psychology at the State University of New York at Cortland, currently being offered using this model are described, and…

Argues that distance-education technologies do not necessarily bring people close to each other and to the world. Discusses the central educational requirement for students to discover an inner connection to the subject matter and how to hold these technologies in a human balance. Recommends opportunities for students to experience the world, in…

Presents perspectives of teaching and learning via Internet-based courses. The courses discussed use the Web as a delivery system, not as the primary content. Describes courses offered and course organization; instructors' perspectives--from traditional distance education teaching to Web-based teaching; the role of Web consultants; and student…

Describes the experiences of University of Arizona and Pima Community College librarians in building World Wide Web exhibits featuring traditionally underrepresented groups in the Tucson, Arizona community. Highlights developmental considerations, goal setting, costs, benefits, and rights and permissions. Concludes with recommendations for other…

The experiences of two teachers describe how BreadNet, an online professional-development and educational conference, enables teachers with similar interests to work together and maintain a sense of community. BreadNet allowed their rural schools to participate in projects with distant schools, leading to improvements in the quantity and quality…

The purpose of this study was to examine reflections of students who engaged in interactive reflective journal writing with a course instructor; the strategy was integrated into a graduate-level computer-mediated course. Findings suggest that the process of reflection may be actively facilitated through interactive journal writing. (Author/AEF)

Argues that a carefully designed and skillfully moderated asynchronous Internet classroom environment can help minimize problems related to gender in traditional classrooms. Discusses class "climate" and class discussion in the traditional classroom and in the online classroom. Notes research related to gender and the online classroom. Outlines…

Results of this case study of a university-level course delivered by computer conferencing suggest that the emergence of a dynamic and interactive educational process that facilitates critical thinking is contingent on appropriate course design, instructor interventions, content, and students' characteristics. (AEF)

Striving to streamline student services and improve electronic communication, colleges and universities are signing on with companies that offer sophisticated World Wide Web sites through which students can accomplish basic administrative functions and receive information. The sites are often free of charge but also feature advertising messages…

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has made remarkable progress in the area of networking. An education network is being developed to provide mass training and resource-based learning. The development of networked education in India is highlighted and a model is suggested for the virtual classroom. (Author/AEF)

Used computer-mediated communication (CMC) to support postgraduate students in distance-education contexts, examining how CMC could reduce transactional distance and noting the construction of learning communities within an online environment and the socioacademic nature of such communities. Results indicate that CMC can support the construction…

Describes the experiences learned in using the Internet for teaching students at the master level. Focuses on what seems to work and what does not work. Discusses the minimum equipment needed to make the course a successful one. (AEF)

Knowledge of electronic media includes recognizing different needs for information, understanding and using different measures of value, and understanding ethical issues. Skills relate to retrieving, managing, organizing, using, preserving, and communicating information. These complex abilities are explored, earlier work is described, and…

Briefly highlights the work of one of the early pioneers of online education, Dr. Linda M. Harasim. Harasim stated five characteristics for online education and included active learning through peer communication and social process of knowledge building in the overall theory and definition of distance education. Other early contributors to…