A study of trainees (n=88) in a competency-based occupational safety and health training program found that environmental factors (opportunities to use skills, peer/supervisor support, and supervisor sanctions) were most influential on motivation to transfer training. Training attitudes may be affected by prior experiences when the use of training…

Discusses technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) in the United Kingdom developed under the Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP) and the Computers in Teaching Initiatives (CTI) Centre for Modern Languages. The use of technology for computer-assisted language learning, the integration of technology, and courseware development are…

Discussion of learner-centered design focuses on the development of switchEr, a specific learning environment changed to an intelligent learning environment by switching from one external representation (ER) to another. Topics include user-centered design; the role of artificial intelligence; and the development of effective educational computing…

Compares science students who were exposed to traditional methodology with those who received traditional methodology supplemented with computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Indicates that on the average, students receiving traditional instruction supplemented with CAI attained higher academic achievement than did 60.4% of those receiving only…

Discusses situations that are ready for the formation of a learning community and suggests that virtual learning might be the answer. Offers a case study of a software-development company and explains how to set up elements on an intranet. Includes marketing tips for promoting the new learning community. (JOW)

Describes how the nuclear industry uses Web-based training, thereby reducing costs. Provides details of the savings in travel time, class time for teachers and students, and recordkeeping. (JOW)

Investigates suitability of deploying speech technology in computer-based systems that can be used to teach foreign language skills. In reviewing the current state of speech recognition and speech processing technology and by examining a number of voice-interactive computer-assisted language learning applications, suggests how to create robust…

Describes learning objects, also known as granules, chunks, or information nuggets, and likens them to help screens. Discusses concerns about how they can go wrong: (1) faulty pretest questions; (2) missing links in the learning object chain; (3) poor frames of reference; and (4) lack of customization. (JOW)

Explains WebQuests, Internet-based lessons that integrate technology into the classrooms without the risks of exposing students to inappropriate Web sites. Examples are given of WebQuests that students created in various grade levels, as well as an assignment for teacher education students to design a WebQuest. (LRW)

Describes a study that examined changes in preservice and inservice teachers' attitudes toward computers following their participation in an educational computing class and explored factors that contributed to their computer use. Discusses prior computer experience, having home computers, and current use of technology in the school at which they…

Dental professionals (n=23) completed online continuing education modules and pre/post surveys. Participants felt the modules were comprehensive, clear, convenient, and easy to navigate. Posttest scores showed significant increases in knowledge. Technical and formatting problems were identified. (SK)

Proposes activity theory as a framework for student project work that is a form of open-ended contextual activity-based learning emphasizing problem solving as a collaborative effort. Topics include project work from a Vygotskian perspective of activity theory; and the design of a prototype for Web-based project work. (LRW)

The use of Usenet newsgroups in a computing and information systems classroom at the University of Brighton showed how Internet-based learning systems can encourage rapid evolution so that resources adapt to learners' needs. Although not always used as intended, and including off-topic distractions, newsgroups did accommodate learning styles and…

Four graduate courses in nursing administration incorporated computer-assisted instruction modules, e-mail discussion groups, and two-way interactive videoconferencing. The courses successfully incorporated adult learning principles, and the number of students with home computers increased from 20% to 100%. (SK)

Presents results of a survey of instructional technology courses in preservice teacher education programs. Concludes that more emphasis was placed on integrating instructional technology into the curriculum than on using technology for teacher productivity or personal use, and that the focus was on computer technology rather than educational media…