Discussion of current issues in early childhood education focuses on developmentally appropriate uses of computer-based materials and techniques. Highlights include research on appropriate practice; computers and cognitive development; rationale for using technology; the computing environment; and an annotated bibliography of pertinent Internet…

Discusses collaborative virtual learning environments and presents a system architecture to support such environments, defined by user needs and using state-of-the-art technologies. Includes a description of INVITE (Intelligent Distributed Virtual Training Environment), a project funded by the European Commission. (Author/LRW)

Addresses the issue of reusability in personalized Web-based learning environments, focusing on the work of the European IST Project KOD (Knowledge on Demand), including the definition of an architecture and the implementation of a system that promotes re-usable adaptive educational e-content. (Author/LRW)

There is an interplay between emotions and learning, but this interaction is far more complex than previous learning theories have articulated. This article proffers a novel model by which to regard the interplay of emotions upon learning and discusses the larger practical aim of crafting computer-based models that will recognize a learner's…

Presents efforts in exploring new ways for designing innovative pedagogical scenarios to support learning about complex domains that involve the design of interactive learning environments (ILE) to integrate systems supporting alternative ways of interaction with simulations with an emphasis on support for shared interaction to mediate social…

Discusses problems relating to situated cognition and cognitivist approaches to learning and instruction. Contends that authenticity and generalizability are compatible; introduces the notion of the authenticity-Generalizability (A-G) continuum, where the emphasis should be scaffolding within the continuum; and proposes two kinds of information…

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…

Describes a research project which seeks to explore the experience of educators with technology-enhanced teaching and learning, particularly on how the use of information and communications technology is influencing teaching practices and students' approaches to learning at the University of Melbourne. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the importance of shared understanding in group learning and considers ways of assessing shared understanding. Describes a conceptual framework that makes a distinction between the process of reaching shared understanding and the resulting shared understanding, and presents an empirical study of a globally distributed engineering design…

Examines the strength of predictive relationships between predisposition factors of middle school students to pursue science careers and student level of science career interest when Web resources were used and not used regularly. Examines perception of self as scientist, perception of other's interest in science, and gender differences in career…

Describes a survey of post-secondary students that assessed conceptions of learning and their preparation for the workplace. Highlights include use of information technology; perceptions of the learning environment; perceptions of learning needs and skills; perceptions of the demands of the future workplace; and lifelong learning. (LRW)

Reviews current approaches to evaluation of training both in theory and in practice. Highlights include complexities associated with evaluation practice; possible means of expediting the performance of evaluations; expanding the range and precision of data collection using automated systems; and recommendations for further research. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the knowledge-on-demand (KOD) paradigm as it emerges from the needs of a knowledge-based society. Presents basic requirements for on-demand learning; discusses front-end users, such as learners, and back-end users, such as publishers and service providers; defines typical user tasks; and outlines work towards a technical solution to…

Discussion of evaluation methods for learning technologies used in higher education focuses on an evaluation of 11 Internet-based courses at Brigham Young University. Topics include evaluation theory, including participant-oriented theories; stakeholders; criteria; and implications for instructional design. (LRW)

Considers how projects in higher education must often demonstrate their impact through measurement and evaluation and describes experiences in the EFFECTS (Effective Framework for Embedding C&IT through Targeted Support) project that focused on the use of communications and information technology (C&IT). Highlights include impact on students and…