Discusses uses of technology in distance education and describes a study of college graduate students that illustrated the effects of two different instructional delivery technologies on the nature of interaction in online education systems: one used a synchronous video link-up and one used an asynchronous computer-mediated communication system.…

This article describes a qualitative study of the impact that Internet electronic-mail-distributed conferences, or e-conferences, have begun to have on the information seeking and sharing behavior of library and information science professionals and scholars. Highlights include a literature review; enhancing or replacing information sources; and…

This study examined differences in individual influence and decision quality across communication media. Participants were 64 introductory psychology students. Results showed that influence for dominating participants remained stable across three media conditions (telephone, computer, and face-to-face). Less dominating participants had higher…

Discusses impacts of the Internet on reference services and changing roles for reference librarians. Describes a continuum of libraries (Sutton) from a paper-based (traditional) to a fully digital library. Examines K-12 uses and benefits of digital reference services (question-and-answer services sometimes referred to as AskA's). Describes K-12…

Relates experiences in providing on-site Internet workshops to the newly networked Native-Alaskan village of Galena. Discusses a handbook of K-12 Internet resources, the collaborative relationship at the core of Internet innovations, creating an online course on brokering Internet learning resources, and the three biggest advantages the Internet…

Discusses a first-year writing class composed of both Hispanic-American and Anglo students, arguing that rather than regarding online conflicts between students as mere "flaming," such conflicts can be seen as a way of helping students develop as literate citizens more aware of difference. (SR)

Provides advice for instructors using the World Wide Web for additional channels for intraclass communication, offering an easier and more convenient way to access library materials, and allowing students to engage in primary research or active learning. Discusses didactic and technical challenges, including students' computer skills and…

Discusses Web-based distance-educational opportunities in post-secondary education, reviews traditional models for instructional design along with available educational technology, and suggests a derivative framework based upon environmental factors and circumstance. Examines constructivism, computer-mediated communication, communication…

The purpose of this study was to foster preservice teacher learning of educational psychology by creating a Web-based learning community using actual case situations experienced during field observations. Participants (146 undergraduate students) were assigned to two electronic-conferencing groups where they generated teaching vignettes related to…

Discusses leadership issues that arose during the creation and offering of an Internet-based course for high school chemistry teachers including course organization, recruiting students, and technological support available to participating students. (Author/WRM)

The challenge corporations face today is how to provide information efficiently and effectively to staff who need it. This article discusses basic learning principles; self-paced learning; online learning; facilitated (instructor-led) learning; role of instructor as facilitator; and technology for facilitated online learning. (AEF)

Focuses on managed Internet use as a curricular challenge and alternate solution to blocking software. Suggests that by making curricular choices for students and directing the medium towards curricular goals, teachers can manage students' time and provide a safe environment where students can communicate and collaborate on projects. (AEF)

This study compared face-to-face seminars with asynchronous computer conferencing in the same information management class to determine if computer supported co-operative learning (CSCL) could maintain learning quality and if computer mediated communication (CMC) could promote critical thinking. Concludes face-to-face seminars are better for…

Gives an introduction to three articles addressing the potential value of a network of after-school computer clubs called the Fifth Dimension. The articles demonstrate improvements in computer literacy (near transfer), ability to understand arithmetic and word problems (medium transfer), and reading and mathematics achievement (far transfer). (AEF)

Examines the effects of participation in the Fifth Dimension after-school computer program on far transfer achievement in the subject areas of reading and math. Provides evidence that children who participate in the Fifth Dimension master knowledge and skill structures and acquire practices that mediate their performance on global measures of…