Presents an explanation for the increase in the number of computer users. Suggests that, in addition to providing electronic-communication services, information technologies may also support thinking and learning processes. Uses a theoretical background to analyze two activities carried out in computational environments: construction of a Web site…

Compares the negative attitudes of professors toward pressure to integrate information technology to similar reactions to audiovisual materials 30 years ago. Presents a case study conducted at the University of Central Florida, outlining student and teacher reactions to Web-based courses. Suggests that faculty should maintain a proactive outlook…

Discusses interaction in Web-based distance education for post-secondary students. Topics include designing interaction; asynchronous versus synchronous communication; individual, small group, and mass communications; interpersonal and intrapersonal interaction; teacher-directed versus student self-directed learning; task/content interaction…

Discussion of the adoption of new learning technologies focuses on the need for new frameworks to understand instructional design and use. Highlights include learning resources; hypertext, the Internet and the World Wide Web; consideration of context of use; participatory design; and dynamics between designers and teachers and between teachers and…

Discusses the lack of substantial changes in education in the past, and describes three factors that could allow for substantial innovations: distance learning, collaborative learning and the use of technology, and changing teacher/student relationships. Also discusses informal learning, individual learning, social behavior, assignment of task,…

Discusses the use of constructive modeling and virtual simulation in team training; describes a military application of constructive modeling, including technology issues and communication protocols; considers possible improvements; and discusses applications in team-learning environments other than military, including industry and education. (LRW)

Examines three integrated-courseware systems for Web-based online courses and considers the integration of pedagogy in courseware authoring systems. Topics include knowledge; learning; motivation; and pedagogy based on effective use of electronic learning environments for the development of cognitive skills through access to information,…

Discusses results of a Delphi study of academic professors and practitioners that identified trends that may influence the field of instructional design in the near future. Trends identified include diverse cultural perspectives, growth of online access to information, distance training and information networks, and customized instructional…

Examines the term interactivity as it is used in educational computing, and suggests that by applying deconstructive criticism new perspectives may be gained. Discusses learner control, non-linearity, and flexibility, and concludes that interactivity is not a conceptual unity. (LRW)

Examines the use of technology by college faculty and the importance of going beyond the technology itself. Topics include computer literacy, building students' confidence in technology, real-world readiness, presentation software, word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets and databases, and information access. (LRW)

Examines the network computer, originally conceived as an alternative device to personal computers to access the Internet and World Wide Web, from a technology perspective and looks at potential uses in education. Describes network architecture; discusses uses for library research, educational technology laboratories, and distance education.…

For the thirty-first year, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) sponsored the publication of these Proceedings. Papers were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Orlando, Florida. This year's Proceedings has two sections--Section 1 includes research and development papers and…

The rigorous assessment and accountability provisions in the landmark No Child Left Behind Act are challenging educators to explore new ways to improve instruction in the nation's schools. One powerful tool in this transformation is technology. To generate and share ideas on how technology can assist educators, two technology summits are convened…

Previous research on second language acquisition with multimedia has suggested that individual differences, including working memory capacity, play an important role in L2 vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension. In this paper, we report on a study of 13 students in a second-year German language course who read a German short story on a…

Intonation, long thought to be a key to effectiveness in spoken language, is more and more commonly addressed in English language teaching through the use of speech visualization technology. While the use of visualization technology is a crucial advance in the teaching of intonation, such teaching can be further enhanced by connecting technology…