Explored the feasibility of using Internet Relay Chat (IRC) to facilitate Chinese language teaching and learning. Describes procedures for organizing and conducting chat sessions and discusses the benefits and problems of using IRC. (Author/VWL)

Discusses computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments in asynchronous distributed learning groups and proposes an intelligent CSCL environment based upon a theoretical framework that suggests embedding certain properties in the environment to act as social contextual facilitators to initiate and sustain learners' social…

Studies the reuse of educational materials in the context of the Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE). Suggests that the 'findability' and reusability of community-created digital educational resources is highly dependent on the presentational and structural design of the resources themselves. Includes 15 references. (Author/YDS)

Research on negotiation has focused thus far on oral conversation and interaction. The study discussed here expands on this line of research by investigating whether learners engage in negotiation when exchanging ideas in synchronous computer-mediated interaction. (Author/VWL)

Analyzed two children's use of a computer-based motion detector to make sense of symbolic expressions (Cartesian graphs). Found three themes: (1) tool perspectives, efforts to understand graphical responses to body motion; (2) fusion, emergent ways of talking and behaving that merge symbols and referents; and (3) graphical spaces, when changing…

A home study computer-assisted instructional program on the pharmacology of alcohol was completed by 18 advanced-practice nurses. Significant postprogram knowledge and self-efficacy gains diminished somewhat five months later, but were still higher than before the program. (SK)

Studied transfer with 60 adults in 4 different computer-based learning environment conditions (simulation of a business with multiple or uniform contexts) for which learners were given either no guidance, problem-solving guidance, or worked-out examples. Results suggest that to optimize learning, learning by problem solving should be combined with…

Presents conceptual models and proven practices that are emerging at the convergence of economics, entertainment, and virtual community-building and applies them to the design of online courses. Discusses the experience economy; digital storytelling; social presence; personal space and computer interaction; and online technologies and types of…

Describes projects using conventional technologies--incorporation of relatively inexpensive visual control with mobile robots using a simple remote control vehicle platform, a camera, a mirror, and a computer. Explains how technology teachers can apply them in the classroom. (JOW)

An overview is presented of the promise and limitations of working on the computer to improve pronunciation in a second language. It is maintained that the considerable promise of the computer as an instructional tool for developing language learners' pronunciation has yet to be realized in practice. (Author/VWL)

Demonstrates how computer-assisted language learning (CALL) software containing user-behavior tracking technologies can provide important insights into the construction of grammatical knowledge. Reports a study that documented the data sources learners used in a CALL-based consciousness-raising task that promoted the abilities of foreign-language…

Describes the development of a Technology College at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington that is characterized by the use of computer assisted instruction, the World Wide Web, two-way interactive video conferencing, and instruction individualized with the use of various technologies. (LRW)

Argues that the emergence of digital marketplaces for learning has broad implications for the standardization and commercialization of education. Defines the concept of the virtual university and discusses how traditional institutions could be reconceived by adopting an alternative model. (PEN)

Interviews and observations of four adult literacy students elicited their experiences with computers and effects of computer use on learning. They found computer-assisted learning challenging and motivating; it enabled them to control their learning experience. However, they may not have access outside the classroom that would enable future…

Fire safety training was provided to long-term care staff by computer (n=47) or a print-based, instructor-led program (n=47). Compared to 47 controls, both treatment groups significantly increased knowledge. The computer-trained staff were enthusiastic about the learning method and expressed greater interest in additional safety topics. (SK)