The first of the four papers in this symposium, "Examination of Critical Issues for Development and Implementation of Online Instruction" (Scott D. Johnson, Nilda Palma-Rivas, Chanidprapa Suriya, Steve Downey), reports on a descriptive and exploratory study that examined several critical issues affecting the development of online…

This paper discusses the concept of diversity of course components in the context of an online staff development course at the United Kingdom Open University. In addition to FirstClass computer conferencing and Web content, RealAudio was used in both synchronous and asynchronous modes. The purpose of its use was to add diversity and focus, which…

Instructional design (ID) case studies that pose authentic ill-defined design problems in realistic environments can help instructional design students bridge the gap between novice and expert practice. Over the past 3 years, the authors have explored aspects of this educational approach through the development of World Wide Web-based…

This study examines the effects and interactions of World Wide Web page design on student navigation and decision making in Web-based learning environments. The following research questions are examined via quantitative, qualitative, and exploratory data analysis procedures: (1) Does instructional grouping or Web page format effect navigational…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the process used by learners to direct, locate, and integrate information resources for use in a project-based environment. Four cases (n=9, including three group projects and one individual project) were analyzed from an introductory educational technology course for preservice teachers during a unit…

This exploratory study examined a field-based project in which preservice teacher candidates and faculty collaborated to implement a problem-centered, technology integrated curriculum for a multiage (4th, 5th, and 6th grade) intersession at Timber Lane Elementary School. Content included detective skills such as fingerprinting and handwriting…

This paper is a mid-project report of a study being conducted of a block of education methods courses (i.e., courses on classroom management, content area reading, secondary methods, and the professional educator) for students seeking emergency certification. This block is being taught 80% asynchronously through the Internet and 20% synchronously…

This paper is a report on the findings of a study conducted during an undergraduate computer science class for preservice teacher educators which was restructured using constructivist principles. Qualitative analysis techniques were applied to field notes, transcripts of computer-mediated discourse, project evaluations, an interview with the…

"Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments" describes the most contemporary psychological and pedagogical theories that are foundations for the conception and design of open-ended learning environments and new applications of educational technologies. In the past decade, the cognitive revolution of the 60s and 70s has been…

Argues that the middle school philosophy must address physical, psychological, intellectual, social, moral, and ethical needs of young adolescents. Presents 10 different methods of instruction that teachers can utilize to meet students' needs in order to make learning more productive and to balance student-centered and subject-centered…

Reports on a study investigating perceptions of K-12 teachers, educational technology faculty, and educational technology graduate students about instructional design, cooperative learning, learner control, school reform, computers and media, and implementation of a key practice in each area of their teaching. (49 references) (KRN)

Considers how computers may affect lifelong learning especially in developing nations. Suggests computers may qualitatively change education and liberate existing systems from centralization and curriculum- and examination-driven environments. Expresses concern that modernization may widen the information gap between developed and developing…

Presents ways of learning through movement. Discusses the beginning of the systems approach, contents of the systems class, and connections to mathematics, social studies, English, science, and physical education. Focuses on the interconnectedness of basic core learning to other subject areas. (DLH)

Effective facilitation of experiential learning involves an array of knowledge and skills. Educators who facilitate open simulations--one form of experiential learning--benefit from having relevant theoretical frameworks to sustain an appropriate balance between being directive and supportive of their participants' freedom to learn. This ongoing…

An e-mail survey of 14,497 business faculty members across all disciplines at American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business member schools was undertaken to determine current business simulation game usage and thoughts about business simulation games. Issues such as how games are first adopted, objectives for game use, achievement of…