This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation framework for a variety of organizations that wish to find the perfect fit between the needs of the organization and the online solutions they adopt. The framework described in this paper is an outcome of a collaborative effort between the department of Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation…

The use of intelligent software agents within computer mediated learning environments has become an important focus of research and development in both AI and educational contexts. Some of the roles envisaged and implemented for these electronic entities involve direct interactions with students, participating in the "social" dimension of the…

A collaborative software development project designed to maximize the skill sets and interests of school children and teachers, educational software technologist and researchers, and college undergraduates is presented. The work brings together elementary school children with college seniors and technology consultants to implement a…

This paper describes the implementation of data conferencing to provide visual stimuli to students in the Homebound Program, a college degree program designed to accommodate students who are unable to come to campus for classes. The data conference system, a simpler, more cost effective alternative to video conferencing, transmits still images as…

Despite the widespread availability of Web-based information resources, it is difficult for some people who rely on assistive technology to access and process these materials. Web designers can play an active role in facilitating access by formatting resources so that they are compatible with these technologies. This can be accomplished by…

This research explored the challenge of how students might successfully perform real laboratory experiments over the Internet without being in a laboratory. Numerous distance learning environments were surveyed, and the effectiveness and disadvantages of laboratory facilities currently available over the Internet were assessed. Full and part-time…

This guide summarizes lessons learned from the author's experience of organizing and moderating five non-pedagogical online conferences that use World Wide Web-based conferencing software, whether synchronous or asynchronous. Seven sections cover the following topics: (1) the pros and cons of online conferencing; (2) setting objectives; (3)…

The United States Bureau of the Census is making the Internet and other electronic systems the primary sources for its statistics and is actively seeking user feedback on its systems design activities. Discusses the design principles of the Data Access and Dissemination System (DADS) and policy issues of pricing/cost recovery, partnerships, and…

Maccia's epistemology of intelligent natural systems implies that computer systems must develop qualitative intelligence before knowledge representation and natural language understanding can be achieved. Emotion and sensation--capabilities which computers do not currently possess are vital to the growth of the mind (Stanley I. Greenspan).…

Discusses basic concepts and technologies related to World Wide Web information system development. Describes the design and implementation of Virtual Travel Mart, a Web-based end- user oriented information system. Emphasizes design considerations, which focus on user needs; creativity; integration of in-house databases on the Internet; currency;…

Discusses the design and implementation of a computer-controlled instructor workstation (IWS), including a videodisc player, that was developed at the Air Force Academy. System capabilities for lesson presentation, administrative functions, an authoring system, and a file server for courseware maintenance are explained. (seven references) (LRW)

Assesses BRUNET, a campuswide network that links more than 100 academic and administrative buildings and 40 dormitories. Notes a key element is hierarchical network management and support. Discusses the deployment, security, and use of four networking spheres in the system. (MVL)

Describes World Wide Web (WWW), a client/server system for use with electronic information. Topics discussed include HyperText Markup Language; Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS); Gopher; Uniform Resource Locator; creating a hypertext version of an electronic journal; and developing a library information system. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

The Foreign Language Understanding Engendered by Naturalistic Techniques (Fluent) project is an educational system for beginning foreign language learning. Arguments are made in support of Fluent's scientific and practical potential for a situation-based, two-medium conversational environment that refers to pedagogical and second-language…

Examines how metacognitive theory can be integrated into the design of computer-based learning environments through the user interface. Highlights include interface design, metacognition and cognitive processes, using metaphors, user access to information, visual feedback, navigational tools, interaction styles, menus, and self-evaluation methods.…