This article presents a synthesis of the theoretical and research literature on facilitating asynchronous online discussions effectively. Online courses need to be designed so that they provide motivation for students to engage in productive discussions and clearly describe what is expected, perhaps in the form of a discussion rubric.…

This article addresses a pervasive need in the area of videoconference-supported distance language learning: task design. On the basis of Chapelle's (2001) criteria for CALL task appropriateness, this article proposes a set of criteria for evaluating videoconferencing-based tasks which examine such aspects of a task as practicality,…

This paper provides an overview of opportunities for graduate education in Gerontology in the Asia-Oceania Region. It locates emerging demand in a demographic context, highlighting high rates of growth in the aged population within the Region and growing awareness of governments of the need for appropriate planning. An important component of…

Internet-based learning systems, or e-learning, are widely available in institutes, universities, and industrial companies, hosting regular or continuous education programs. The dream of teaching and learning from anywhere and at anytime becomes a reality due to the construction of e-learning infrastructure. Traditional teaching materials and…

"Extending Virtual Access: Promoting Engagement and Retention through Integrated Support Systems" focuses upon expanding the scope of on-line instructional delivery to include academic support systems critical to ensuring that virtual learning environments are inclusive, accessible, instructive, and responsive to changing student needs.…

A brief review shows several suggested ways in which cultural historical activity theory has proved valuable to technology supported learning environments. Three of our own design cases are then described (evaluating a peer to peer interface for learning objects, designing an on-line school, and rethinking a public science centre). These are…

This paper describes efforts made by the faculty at Santa Fe Community College (Florida) to provide a learning-centered instructional environment for students in an introductory statistics class. Innovation in instruction has been stressed as institutions switch from "teacher-centered classrooms" to "student-centered…

This project started as a pilot study that examined and evaluated a single course that was delivered during the 1999-2000 academic year in a traditional lecture-based section, as well as in a telecourse section and a Web-based section. The hypothesis of the study was that there was no significant difference between the three courses in terms of…

This paper describes the GEOTEL system which was designed for self-paced distance education, mostly for continuing education, and provides an interactive, adaptive, tutor-aided, Web-based learning environment for learners grouped in virtual classrooms. Web tools currently available for building distance education systems are also evaluated.…

Describes the creation of a classification system with a common vocabulary for discussing educational Web sites, both formal and informal education, and looking for trends in exemplary sites. Categories include instructional; learning activities; content collection; links; reference; teacher resources; vicarious participation; interpersonal…

Describes virtual learning opportunities for elementary and secondary school classrooms. Highlights include examples of various programs; content and curriculum development; designing effective formats; student perspectives; teacher perspectives; virtual learning models; characteristics of online students; integrating business models for online…

Offers advice on how to implement an online learning program. Includes a description of the planning process, funding requirements, teacher training, technology requirements, access options, and management and control issues. Describes some common types of online learning programs and virtual schools. Includes excerpts from "Guide to Online School…

Notes that distance learning, especially in computer-mediated environments, is the new trend in education. Describes a bilingual education course in which participants were involved in extensive writing and publishing of their ideas on the Web. Explains that through bulletin board postings, power relationships between majority and minority…

This case study of an experience with e-learning, compared with traditional lecture-based learning, at the Copenhagen Business School suggests that this problem-oriented and dialogue-based approach may hold substantial potential in international business education. (EV)

Considers how to maintain academic integrity when using Web-based instruction in higher education. Highlights include standards for traditional courses; accountability; secure testing; and creating a virtual community, including collaborative learning elements. (LRW)