This paper makes basic assumptions regarding the development of an intranet architecture that will actively promote the cognitive apprenticeship of a new community of learners. The authors consider the intranet as a dynamic and virtual environment in which individuals may communicate, share resources, and reciprocally generate and organize…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether asynchrony between audio and visual presentation in distance education classes had an impact on student perceptions of distance learning and student achievement. Six distance education courses, all in different disciplines, were taught from six different locations to a minimum of one satellite…

When in the "zone of proximal development" for a particular skill or piece of information, a learner is ready to learn but lacks certain prerequisites. Scaffolding is an interactive process in which a teacher or facilitator assists such a learner to build a "structure" to contain and frame the new information. Scaffolding can…

This report describes a staff development training using a multimedia instructional technology program designed to increase the integration of multimedia materials by teachers into their curriculum. The objectives were for the teachers in the targeted group to demonstrate an increased use of instructional technology by generating products using…

The process of developing, pilot testing, and revising a set of English-as-a-Second-Language instructional materials for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is described. The materials are designed to prepare students for job interviews in the Hong Kong (China) employment market, which differs in some significant ways from other…

This paper presents a case study of distance education at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in Toowoomba, Australia. Begun in 1977, distance education at USQ moved from the correspondence model to the multimedia model, to the telelearning model, and finally to the current flexible learning model characterized by on-line delivery via the…

This paper describes the development of the Web site for a graduate course in statistics and measurement, and offers recommendations for future continued development of this and other Web-based courses within the field of education. The site was initially designed to supplement the course as it was currently being taught. An overview of the basic…

This position paper elaborates the Academic Senate's existing positions on distance education and the effective use of technology in instruction. In particular it examines the implications of a 1998 change in the Title 5 regulations governing distance education in California community colleges, especially with regard to instructor-student contact.…

The state government of West Virginia has been motivating a reform of high school science and technology education by actively funding projects that lead to innovative computer-based teaching techniques. Faculties at Marshall University (Huntington, West Virginia) have been active participants in this reform, and have been developing…

Presents annotated list of computer programs related to geophysics, geomorphology, paleontology, economic geology, petroleum geology, and miscellaneous topics. Entries include description, instructional use(s), programing language, and availability. Programs described in previous installments (found in SE 533 635 and 534 182) focused on…

Describes course on applications of computers to chemistry, computer-assisted instruction laboratory on measurement/error for high school chemistry, sample dispenser-computer grading system for quantitative analysis courses, and computer programs on nomenclature/preparations/reactions and least-squares refinement of pseudorotation parameters in a…

There must be more emphasis on computers in education so that students can function in a sophisticated society and not fall prey to technophobia or technomania. The weaknesses of both extremes and the importance of teachers as role models in teaching students about computers are discussed. (IS)

The first two years' experience at the Waterford School are described by an administrator and a parent. Waterford is a private, nontuition school conducted as the major activity of an educational institute dedicated to research, innovation, and the application of advanced technologies such as microcomputers and videodiscs to education and…

The development of an interactive videodisc-microcomputer simulation of a visit to a Mexican village for college-level Spanish instruction is described. Problems encountered, production considerations, computer program development, hardware, and classroom results are discussed. (MSE)

Discusses falling educational standards in America in light of a report issued by the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Reviews such remedies as attracting talented college students into teaching mathematics through "forgiveness loans," and establishing functional literacy examinations, state-wide graduation requirements, and…