The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of interactions that students perceived to be important for online learning. The interaction attributes investigated included content interaction, conversation and collaboration, intrapersonal/metacognitive skills, and need for support. Also investigated were reasons why learners were taking…

This case study describes a distance learning experience from the point of view of a first time instructor and the students (elementary school teachers) enrolled in a graduate-level science education course at Morehead State University (Kentucky). Many of the students were from isolated areas in Appalachia. The paper concludes that participants…

This paper describes the experiences with marketing, a new concept at the Library at the University of South Africa (Unisa), which is the largest university in South Africa and one of the largest distance education institutions in the world. Following a discussion of marketing of the tertiary library and the service marketing triangle…

In "The Invisible Computer," Donald Norman illustrates his theory of invisible computers turning into information appliances with examples of past inventions like the radio, automobile, and phonograph. Second generation computers have evolved as far as technology will allow. At the present time, the technology itself is the driving force…

There is an urgent need for quality software and digital materials for use in schools. Teachers and students must become discerning and knowledgeable information and communication technology (ICT) users. The school environment has to be fully supportive of ICT, making available expert assistance and advice to the teacher in this rapidly changing…

This research paper analyzes the distance learning program at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) for the 2000-2001 school year, during which PVCC offered 34 distance learning classes. Findings indicate that: (1) 25 of the classes were Web-based (asynchronous) and 9 were compressed video (synchronous); (2) nearly 3% of all classes at PVCC…

This paper analyzes the broad context and covers practical applications for delivering distance education in countries of the developing world. It begins by examining market trends in global higher education and continues by reviewing existing distance education activity in developing countries. This is followed by a discussion of the…

Forty high school students from different areas in the western United States collaborated on a year-long project designed to prepare youth for successful school-to-life transitions. The predominant mechanisms of interaction were e-mail, synchronous chats, and shared threaded writing posted in a virtual space via the Internet. This paper presents…

This paper makes basic assumptions regarding the development of an intranet architecture that will actively promote the cognitive apprenticeship of a new community of learners. The authors consider the intranet as a dynamic and virtual environment in which individuals may communicate, share resources, and reciprocally generate and organize…

The Internet consists of several services that, when combined, can recreate and enhance the interaction possible in teacher education. This paper discusses the strengths and limitations of several computer mediated communication (CMC) technologies available through the Internet, in three categories: (1) one-way CMC (World Wide Web, graphics,…

This paper describes the development of the Web site for a graduate course in statistics and measurement, and offers recommendations for future continued development of this and other Web-based courses within the field of education. The site was initially designed to supplement the course as it was currently being taught. An overview of the basic…

Examines the "reality behind the hype" surrounding the Internet. Discusses its early development; growth and present state; and key applications, including e-mail, voice/video telephony, integrated messaging, electronic commerce, the World Wide Web, and Web commerce, Intranet, Extranet; education and training; security; ownership; and…

Psychology students at the University of Southampton use "skywriting," an e-mail based discussion medium involving tutors and students and focusing on issues arising from course content. This article discusses student participation in skywriting; examines effects of gender, computer attitudes, and computer experience; compares student…

An analysis of 79 K-12 Internet projects revealed seven common activities: pre-project activities; gathering information; sharing and communicating; data integration; constructing products; evaluating products; and demonstrating/teaching. Discussion includes learning models scaffolded and project difficulties/successes. (AEF)

Examines critical issues in distance education. Discusses three stages in the retraining of students; retraining of faculty, including establishing and maintaining effective interaction, motivating students, adapting the syllabus, and using technology to teach; and redesign of course content. (AEF)