The Internet has tremendous potential for K-12 education. However, learning how to exploit that potential remains an important problem. This paper uses ideas from situated learning and the deschooling movement to address the argument that there has been no significant reform (technology-based or otherwise) of public education for over a century. A…

A hyperbook is a form of distance education that promotes computer-mediated learning and collaborative/constructive learning in the development of multigenerational learning communities. A hyperbook is composed of hypertext that resides on the Internet. Hypertext is text with embedded links that allow the reader to move around in the text or to…

This article presents the results of a study examining the impact of curriculum integration on prospective teachers. Utilizing a qualitative and phenomenological approach, the study follows a group of secondary education students through an entire semester course that employs curriculum integration. Intensive focus group transcripts and student…

Educators have long sought for ways to improve student learning. With the introduction of technology to the instructional setting, possibilities for finding new strategies to improve learning have been, and continue to be, explored. To make the leap to student-centered, technologically-mediated instruction requires exploration of both change in…

Business needs in multinational corporations call for courses that involve problem solving and creating and sharing new knowledge based on workplace situations. The courses also need to be engaging for the participants. Blended learning at Shell International Exploration and Production involves these kinds of outcomes in courses designed around a…

It was scary at first. Just getting P1 and 2 students to follow basic instructions is hard enough; trying to get them to work together in groups seemed like asking for extra trouble. But, a dash or two of trouble adds a bit of spice to a veteran teacher's life; so the four of us teachers at Mayflower Primary School--a neighbourhood school in Ang…

Evaluate effects of an outdoor "hands-on," cooperative science laboratory on seventh- and eighth-grade students' environmental knowledge levels and science-processing skills. Participating students' scores on the Integrated Processes Skills Test were significantly higher than those of nonprogram students. Results support involving…

Describes a study of fifth and sixth graders that investigated the effects of cooperative training and ability grouping on microcomputer learning. Results on four measures of achievement did not support the use of cooperative learning or ability grouping to enhance achievement in computer-assisted instruction. (Author/LRW)

Describes a consultancy exercise in which a small industrial company consults with a chemistry class to solve real-world problems related to chemistry and the environment. The exercise was designed to improve students' skills in design calculations, project management, information assimilation, team working, and problem solving. (DKM)

Describes a study designed to provide insight into the strengths and limitations of using groupwork to promote excellence and equity in science education. Argues that students need more guidance in how to talk and do science. Contains 40 references. (DDR)

Real-world problems often do not mesh well with mandated curricula and texts. Designing challenges to develop the understandings, skills, and beliefs necessary for tackling real-life problems involves a commitment to authentic learning experiences of increasing sophistication. The experiential learning cycle, by combining academic, scenario, and…

Examined effects of combining cross-age tutoring, peer tutoring, cooperative learning, and computer-mediated writing in a peer-assisted learning package on writing skills of second through sixth graders with learning disabilities. Found that the treatment group enjoyed working with partners, asked each other for help, had friendships extending…

Describes New York City teachers' emphasis on independent reading, with the rest of their reading curriculum growing out of needs identified during that time. They begin with mini-lessons, then create social supports for reading, make independent reading central and collaborative, reinforce what works, make time for solitary reading, and learn…

At the University of Manchester (England), a collaborative learning technique was incorporated into clinical experience when students were paired for patient care, with one student the operator, the other the dental assistant. Participants' responses were mixed, with many unsure of the advantages of the change and concerned they would be…

Qualitative research methodology was used to explore the perceptions of students and teachers participating in an interactive collaborative satellite-based mathematics course in 21 high schools. Results showed that the distance learning format gives teachers access to more resources, is useful for underachieving students, and is an effective way…