Describes an educational computer network, SuperInterface, that could be used for telestudy for university education. Topics discussed include computer-supported collaborative work; computer-based learning; multimedia databases, or electronic books; human-machine interfaces; hardware, software, and groupware; learners; teachers; organizations and…

Discusses the need to provide learner-directed computer-assisted language learning (CALL) for mature students to perfect their English. Topics addressed include expert procedural knowledge, including lexical, grammatical, and discourse skills; and expert domain knowledge, including dictionaries and thesauri, tagged corpora, and discipline-specific…

Describes the START-UP project developed by the European Community to identify educational and training multimedia producers in European countries and to define the methodologies that these producers use in developing their products. Highlights include production stages, multimedia skills, teamwork, decision making, learning processes, learner…

SMART (Science, Math, and Relevant Technology) Connections, an afterschool offshoot of a program addressing the scarcity of women in science, provides low-income children and children of color, both boys and girls, with hands-on science experience. Efforts continue to be made to ensure that the program works equally for boys as for girls. (CJS)

Describes a study that tested the applicability of the Tennyson-Cocchiarella concept teaching model for undergraduate nursing education, and investigated the effects of three different learner control strategies on concept learning. The computer-based concept lesson used is described, and effects on recall and retention are discussed. (33…

A study measured the effects of a medical college faculty development course in medical interviewing on attitudes toward learner-centered learning. Even though the learner-centered approach was not explicitly taught, participants (n=29) developed favorable attitudes approaching those of the facilitators, and the attitudes were sustained six…

Discusses interaction in Web-based distance education for post-secondary students. Topics include designing interaction; asynchronous versus synchronous communication; individual, small group, and mass communications; interpersonal and intrapersonal interaction; teacher-directed versus student self-directed learning; task/content interaction…

Discussion of Total Quality Management in distance education focuses on science education offered through the University Extension (UE) of the University of South Pacific (Fiji). Suggests a redesign of science curricula and a relaxing of requirements for on-campus enrollment, so that UE science learners can study up to the degree level at their…

Describes the geographic information systems (GIS) curriculum at Roosevelt Middle School (Florida); the program includes an interactive matrix of communicative hardware and geographic software. Discusses problem-solving assignments, program flexibility for individual needs, cooperative learning via online communication, and the need for students…

An interview with Summerhill School's head describes how the independent boarding school challenged the British government's demands that it give compulsory lessons. A settlement required the school's philosophy to govern the government's approach to the school; recognized the pupils' voice in evaluations of the school; and acknowledged that…

Investigates the effects of personalized instruction on achievement and attitudes of Taiwanese elementary students on two-step mathematics and word problems. Students initially completed a survey on which they choice their favorite foods, sports, stores, classmates, and other selections. The most popular items were then used to create personalized…

Examines concepts that are closely associated with distance education. Discusses the beginnings of open education; open access and admission criteria; course availability; access to technology; the E-rate program for those on the less fortunate side of the "digital divide"; beyond flexibility; and the learner's responsibility for learning. (AEF)

Because new information-age learning models incorporate experiential education theories and practices, integration of information technology is an opportunity to integrate experiential methods. Scenarios are presented for integrating technology into experiential curricula. Problems include cost, training, lack of quality software, and…

The co-founders of the Sudbury Valley School (Massachusetts) discuss how the school's philosophy is based on giving children respect, freedom, and support to find their own self-motivation; how play is one of the best learning tools; and the sustained public relations effort that has been required to establish and maintain the school's…

"Differentiating Instruction With Menus Grades 3-5" offers teachers everything they need to create a student-centered learning environment based on choice. Addressing the four main subject areas (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and the major concepts taught within these areas, these books provide a number of different types of…