This article presents a new paradigm for continuing education of Clinical Instructors (CIs): the Constructivist Tridimensional (CTD) model for the design of an online curriculum. Based on problem-based learning, self-regulated learning, and adult learning theory, the CTD model was designed to facilitate interactive, collaborative, and authentic…

Developing a model for effective large-scale continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers remains a significant obstacle for many governments worldwide. This article describes the development and evolution of Vital--a CPD program designed to enhance the teaching of information communication technology in state-funded primary and…

This article, originally published in "Distances et Savoirs" (D & S--7/2009. "A la Croisee des Recherches," p571-584) reviews the key ideas related to increasing student learning and support described in selected chapters from the second edition of the "Handbook of Distance Education" (Moore 2007). These chapters described research findings…

This study investigated the small-group, learner-led discussion process in synchronous discussions. Transcripts from online chats and face-to-face discussions were analyzed within the context of the Community of Inquiry framework to examine the relationship of teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence to one another and for…

This article both analyzes and synthesizes eleven articles from four volumes (eight issues) of the journal "Distances et Savoirs" published between 2003 and 2008. The authors of these articles present their research on several topics related to learners, learning, and tutoring in distance education while also working on innovation and access to…

This study was conducted to develop an inventory that measures students' motivation to engage in critical reasoning in online discussions. Inventory items were developed based on theoretical frameworks and then tested on 168 participants. Using exploratory factor analysis, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency, twenty-two items were…

Two lines of research have emerged to study the causes and prevention of student failure in virtual (K-12) schools: studies of learner characteristics and studies of learning environment characteristics. To develop a useful model for predicting failure and promoting success in virtual school environments, a study was designed to measure the…

This article reviews content analysis studies aimed to assess critical thinking in computer-mediated communication. It also discusses theories and content analysis models that encourage critical thinking skills in asynchronous learning environments and reviews theories and factors that may foster critical thinking skills and new knowledge…

Tools for measuring cognitive engagement within online groups have been concerned only with measuring an individual participant's cognitive engagement, without any concern for measuring cognitive engagement within groups. There remains a serious need for a scheme that measures cognitive engagement of groups and the validation of such a scheme…

Describes a preliminary test on graduate students of a software tool designed to perform computations required in event sequence analysis, that will enable researchers to measure and empirically test student interactions and critical thinking in threaded discussions. Explains the Discussion Analysis Tool (DAT) and suggests implications for…

Presents encouraging empirical findings related to an attempt to create an efficient and reliable instrument to assess the nature and quality of critical discourse and thinking in a text-based educational context. Suggests that cognitive presence (critical, practical inquiry) can be created and supported in a computer-conference environment with…

Discusses a computerized cost-simulation model, BRIDGE, designed to compare the cost of expanding a campus using distance instruction to that of classroom instruction. Discusses cost comparison examples from classroom, television/broadcast, and asynchronous network courses. The model also demonstrates the cost-saving potential of sharing courses…

Proposes a model for the transformation of academic equivalency in distance education, shifting from a unit of measurement that relies on time in the classroom to one that focuses on learner achievement. Explains how the Capabilities-Based Educational Equivalency (CBEE) model permits the comparison of student achievement in face-to-face and…

Describes the implementation and evaluation of the partnership between the University of Alberta, Fairview College, and Kayas Cultural College offering synchronized, multipoint video conferencing for introductory faculty of arts courses in remote regions of Alberta, Canada. Aboriginals constituted 70% of the students in the first year. Proposes a…

Presents a decision model for planning learner feedback in distance education courses with emphasis on college-level teaching. Knowledge components in information processing models of learning are described, task analysis for learning from text is discussed in terms of comprehension, and criteria for designing learner feedback are examined. (LRW)