Comparison of traditional teaching methods and Web-based modules used in a class of 96 graduate nursing students showed that conventional methods were rated significantly higher in terms of content, interaction, participation, and faculty preparation. Technical skills were higher for the Web materials. Although there were no significant…

In an information systems class, 161 students were taught using integrated media, and 206 controls received traditional textbook, lecture, and lab. The control group showed higher gains from pre- to posttest. Environmental, preparation, and setup factors possibly influenced the treatment group's outcomes. (SK)

Learner engagement ranges from passive interest to dynamic interaction to flow state. Engaged teaching and learning online also progresses through three levels: transfer (converting conventional instruction to technology-enhanced environments), translation (redefining instruction using technology's capabilities), and transcendence (inventing new…

Examines past and current research in key areas concerning the use of distance education. They include: distance versus traditional education; why students are successful; importance of interaction; important cost to benefit factors; and use of distance education to effectively bridge cultural boundaries. Discusses how these findings can be…

Notes factors in traditional schooling that discourage constructive thinking (including both critical and creative intellectual processes). Describes a number of stand-alone creative-thinking activities for classrooms, and presents four steps to integrate constructive thinking into the standard school curriculum. (SR)

Discusses the history and theory of computer-based education (CBE) and reviews five meta-analyses that investigated the effectiveness of computer-based applications on individuals by measuring student achievement on a final exam for both CBE and traditional teaching. Concludes that CBE should supplement traditional instruction, not replace it.…

Discusses one private school's adoption of a highly rigorous curriculum that emphasizes western civilization, shunning academic fads in favor of the classics. This course of western studies goes from 5th through 9th grade. The morally informed curriculum is guided by Christian faith and moral standards. In many cases, teachers develop their own…

Reports on a research study that examined how some teachers used graphing calculators in their instruction of mathematics, and how their views of mathematics were manifested in the ways in which they chose to use this technology. Suggests that teachers used graphing technology as an extension to the way they always taught the unit. Contains 23…

Presents the PACE model (Projects, Activities, Cooperative learning, and Exercises) a computer-assisted approach for teaching college statistics. Highlights include hands-on activities, self-selected projects, course content, cooperative learning in a computer classroom environment, and a comparison of a traditional approach versus the PACE…

Investigates the attitudes and participation of students in computer-mediated communication (CMC) campus-based courses and their perception of the impact of CMC on their learning. Student characteristics including gender, educational status, computer experience, and skill level are discussed, course factors are considered, and student criticism is…

Discusses the design and teaching of an online undergraduate course and considers similarities and differences of learning and teaching in traditional and electronic environments. Highlights include instructional design; course assignments; student course evaluations; and the relationship between course curriculum and goals, pedagogy, and student…

Demonstrates how Web-based bulletin boards can facilitate learning and dialogue based on a case study of graduate education students in face-to-face classes. Analyzes bulletin board postings, electronic journals, reflective essays, class discussions, and interviews from an adult learning perspective to reveal how these online experiences can…

Compares traditional and online formats in a public speaking course. Gives a description of the online format and notes factors related to selection format. Considers students' global evaluations of format and students' reports of their speaking apprehension. Concludes with an evaluation of public speaking skills. (SG)

The authors examined the potential differences between problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional instructional approaches in building knowledge of macroeconomic concepts and principles in high school students. Using data from 252 economics students at 11 high schools and controlling for individual characteristics, most notably verbal ability,…

Modern communication technologies continue to spawn new and transformed genres, but in the digital realm, distinctions between form, content, and medium are blurred. Confounding this issue is the fact that genres are usually specific to a particular discourse community of users with learned social and cultural expectations. In the domain of higher…