Describes an evaluation of a distance course at the University of Waikato (New Zealand) that used Web-based computer conferencing to support student knowledge construction and collaborative group work. Discusses student and teacher attitudes and considers how situated evaluation can help educators gain a better understanding of electronic learning…

Uses multimedia to create a constructivist learning experience and to innovate a multimedia constructivist learning model based on a course at Multimedia University (Malaysia). Assessed students' problem solving skills and ability to evaluate a Web site's design, creativity, and navigational structure by requiring them to reconstruct and improve…

Discusses virtual universities and virtual classrooms, exploring both the benefits and the disadvantages of technology-based delivery systems. Highlights include competitive pressures to use technology; impacts on students; the need for flexibility to meet unique student needs and learning styles; learning environments; impact on society; and…

Analyzes teaching and learning processes of Web-based instruction (WBI) as shown in recent literature, and develops a theoretical framework of WBI using an existing distance education theory called Transactional Distance Theory to provide a better understanding of the pedagogical components of WBI. Discusses emerging learner collaboration and…

Discussion of distance education focuses on strategies for administrators and faculty to use to support the appropriate use of this educational format. Considers some of the advantages and disadvantages of distance education, financial support for the development and delivery of distance education courses, and needed faculty training. (Author/LRW)

Discusses instructional design and explains the multi-channel learning environment which was developed to allow the use of various media to provide alternative learning paths to accommodate differences in learning styles and media preferences. Highlights include taxonomies of learning; social aspects of learning; self-learning in distance…

Discussion of multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders involved in the production of electronic learning materials focuses on a constructivist methodology for course design. Explains concept mapping that provided the basis for an electronic learning development project at the University of Surrey (United Kingdom) and includes examples of concept…

Evaluates a pilot study conducted at the University of Glamorgan that investigated whether group process support technology has the potential to improve the learning experience of students in seminar groups by increasing participation and focusing debate. Describes how the use of the technology was varied among groups and suggests further…

Identifies key factors affecting conceptual gains from using a CAL (computer-assisted learning) package and their application to a college practical laboratory class. Considers students' biographical characteristics, design features of the CAL package, and the way that the CAL was integrated into the curriculum. (Author/LRW)

Describes a usability study conducted with health sciences students at the University of Washington that explored interface issues in the GramStain Tutor, an educational software program on CD-ROM, particularly the navigation of the program and the use of embedded design features. (LRW)

Describes a study that recorded the type and severity of body movements of 79 boys with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and 67 non-ADHD boys while playing a computer video game. Results of multivariate analysis of variance showed no statistically significant differences in body movements between ADHD and non-ADHD boys. (Author/LRW)

Explains a Web-based system that allows teachers of various experiences, specializations, and in different locations to contribute their ideas for instructional activities collaboratively. Describes the use of this system by junior high school science teachers using misconceptions in science education to help students make conceptual changes. (LRW)

Discusses the use of tables versus graphs and describes a study that investigated how easily the information presented in each format is understood. Emphasizes the needs of the reader for simplification and clarity and considers implications for editors and referees when making suggestions to authors of journal articles. (LRW)

This qualitative case study focused on the nature of science learning through open-ended problem solving with eighth graders. Discusses results of interviews and observation that suggested students only partially derived accurate mental models, and makes recommendations for improving student understanding in open-ended environments. (Contains 95…

Describes a study that analyzed a graduate education course taught entirely at a distance via the Internet to explore the dynamics of sense of classroom community. Findings indicated that the sense of community grew significantly during the course, and that females manifested a stronger sense of community than males. (Author/LRW)