Promoting the development of students' scientific inquiry capabilities is a major learning objective in science education. As a result, teachers require effective assessment approaches to evaluate students' scientific inquiry-related performance. Teachers must also be able to offer appropriate supplementary instructions, as needed, to students.…

This case study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate students' perceptions of learning using a Web-based tutorial. Students participated in a Web-based tutorial to learn basic HTML as part of a graduate-level Web design course. Four of five students agreed to participate in the survey and interviews. After completing the…

The brief identifies key issues related to online learning that, if appropriately addressed, increase the likelihood of student success. It is intended primarily for districts or schools that are considering participating in an online learning program to expand course options, as well as for entities considering developing an online learning…

In an industrial technology course combining face-to-face instruction with WebCT courseware, 57 students were surveyed. The majority were first-time courseware users; 78.6% found it useful; 52.6% had no technical problems; 57.9% would enroll in a distance course using WebCT as the only contact with the instructor. (Contains 14 references.) (SK)

Describes the benefits for principals of online staff development for teachers. Sources of online courses and training include local and state departments of education, professional associations, colleges and universities, online universities, and commercial suppliers. (PKP)

Presents an overview of the features of course management systems as they pertain to teaching online courses. Specifically, it identifies tools and techniques related to the effective use of management features, assessment options, instructional activities, and communication in online courses. (EV)

Presents a WebQuest for the novel "Because of Winn-Dixie," which provides readers tasks to help them understand and better enjoy the story. Explains that some of the tasks should be done before reading the book, some should be completed while reading the book, and some should be done after finishing the book. Includes a "Just for Fun" section with…

Summarizes current published quality standards for electronic learning and organizes them into nine domains: executive/institutional commitment, technological infrastructure, student services, design and development, instruction and instructor services, program delivery, financial health, legal and regulatory requirements, and program evaluation.…

Describes the activity of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in support of asynchronous learning networks (ALNs) in universities. Discusses how these networks can provide the essentials of the traditional learning experience while assembling a diversity of students and teaching staffs and offering a flexibility of delivery that vastly extends…

Using dialogue theory based on Bakhtin, Rommetveit, and Lotman, analyzed an asynchronous Web-mediated discussion in a philosophy class. Found that the high degree of interactivity and dialogicality resulted from the quality of the assignment, the role of the teacher, and the symmetry of the participants. Discussion entries combined dialogic and…

Provides reviews of four distance learning software products: (1) LearningSpace, (2) LearnLinc I-Net, (3) LOIS (Learning Organization Information System), and (4) Symposium. Includes a comparison of the features of each of them. (JOW)

Analyzes Web-based instructional design practices as to how they may influence the student experience and suggests guidelines for achieving optimal learning effectiveness. Evaluates barriers to successful Web teaching and credibility of resources on the Web that negatively impact student ability to achieve learning goals. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of knowledge management systems highlights an integrated tool architecture that focuses on content rather than technical issues and supports authoring Web pages and Web-based training, collaborating with subject matter experts, item tracking, and gathering feedback from end-users. Describes the updating of an existing knowledge base…

This paper describes the use of the CoFIND (Collaborative Filter in N Dimensions) system to evaluate two assessment styles. CoFIND is a resource database which organizes itself around its users' needs. Learners enter resources, categorize, then rate them using "qualities," aspects of resources which learners find worthwhile, the n dimensions of…

Vibiana Bowman enjoys spending time with young adults--which is just as well since she has a few of her own, has done her time as scout leader, and now teaches proper research methods to students at Rutgers University--Camden. She first discovered how much this instruction was needed when she noticed her own kids cutting and pasting copy from the…