This study explored the extent to which computer conferencing contributes to facilitating self-direction by describing concrete activities. The study focused on interaction among participants related to self-direction. The study adapted Garrison's model (1997) considering the characteristics of data and research questions to develop the conceptual…

This Digest summarizes the results of a survey administered to the American Educational Research Associations Survey Research Special Interest Group regarding the use of electronic surveys and discusses their responses in the context of the existing literature base. Topics include the conditions under which use of e-mail or Web-based surveys would…

ARL is the bimonthly report on research library issues and actions from ARL (Association of Research Libraries), CNI (Coalition of Networked Information), and SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition). ARL reports on current issues of interest to academic and research library administrators, staff, and users; higher education…

This practicum encouraged department managers of a large nonprofit biologics pharmaceutical firm to use the organization's satellite-based Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) system (i.e., viewer-response system (VRS)). A self-paced instructional module was developed and made available for department managers to access in three on-line formats,…

One concern about online student course evaluation, in contrast to on-class paper methods, is the potential for low student response and the likelihood of nonresponse bias. This paper provides findings from an analysis of respondents to an online versus an in-class paper method of conducting student course evaluations. The study investigated…

This paper began as an attempt to clarify and classify the development of Web3D environments from 1995 to the present. In that process, important facts came to light. A large proportion of these sites were virtual galleries and museums. Second, these same environments covered a wide array of architectural interpretations and represented some of…

The Education Network of Ontario (ENO) is a telecommunications corporation creating an access and applications network for and by Ontario's 130,000-member education community. When educators register with ENO, they receive full industry-standard Internet and Intranet services in English and French. ENO/REO works from school or home. Statistics…

The main focus of current discussions within the standardization process of learning technology is on economical opportunities and technical aspects of learning objects. There has been little discussion about the instructional or didactical issues. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a taxonomy of learning objects for the facilitation of…

This document examines some of the key issues raised during the second Washington Roundtable on Social Marketing, convened by the Academy for Educational Development (AED) in 1998. AED invited participants to examine whether the interactive technologies that are revolutionizing commercial marketing--personal computers, the Internet (especially the…

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) went into effect on April 21, 2000. The first Federal online privacy law, COPPA regulates the collection, use, and disclosure by commercial Web sites and online services of personally identifiable information from children under age 13. To mark the first anniversary of COPPA's implementation, a…

Researchers at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock conducted a study of faculty attitudes about the use of technology in the college classroom using electronic focus group sessions. This paper examines the electronic focus group data collection procedure. The electronic sessions were conducted in a decision-support center on campus with 13…

This paper examines ways to make World Wide Web browsers accessible for individuals with disabilities, and through them, gain access to the information on the Web. It discusses which browsers can be made more accessible and evaluates different types of input. Mouse access, keyboard access, and voice input are reviewed. Processing aids, such as…

This report pertains to a large research library beginning the change-over to shared cataloging by an on-line system, and the early stages of the implementation of computer techniques for part of the technical processes system of the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). (Author)

Discusses what generalized data-based management systems are and how they can be utilized in the field of education. Advantages of using the system and its effect on educational management are considered in detail. (DN)