Provides an account of the design of the Lesson Planning System, a hypermedia performance support system (PSS) predicated on task performance to support novice teacher-education students in lesson planning. Reports on an initial research study to investigate the effectiveness of the software and discusses the role of PSSs in teacher education.…

Describes a study that compared correspondence and Web versions of the same course over four semesters at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Course evaluation results showed that although students were very satisfied with the Web version, the correspondence section achieved higher mean scores in three of the four semesters. (Author/LRW)

Compares the experiences of a group of Internet students to those of conventional distance learning students in the same Computer Science course at the Open University (United Kingdom). Discusses learning styles; background questionnaires that included computer use, email experience, programming, education, and attitudes; learning outcomes;…

Describes two alternative strategies for intranet implementation based on experiences at the University of Brighton (United Kingdom). Highlights include differing degrees of staff and student utilization; barriers to success; a unified strategy for effective intranet implementation; and how to manage organizational resistance to change.…

Describes a study that investigated the effects of computer-assisted videodisc-based anchored instruction on attitudes toward mathematics and instruction as well as problem-solving skills among Taiwanese elementary students. Findings suggest that video-based anchored instruction provided a more motivating environment that enhanced students'…

Discussion of psychological effects associated with the increasing capabilities of new technology focuses on issues involved with multimedia teaching systems and the development of the self. Includes a review of technology attitudes and individual differences in relation to the voluntary use of technology and contrasts that with the rejection of…

Discusses problems with the validity and usefulness of students' evaluations of professors' teaching effectiveness and suggests it is the use of computers that has had a negative impact in this area. Describes another possible method of evaluation that would involve letters of evaluation by students for the professors. (LRW)

Addresses the importance of research and development in the field of educational technology, based on reflections of previous articles and a symposium. Highlights include the centrality of design; the enabling capabilities of technology; collaboration; scaling up of projects; the use of alternative research methodologies; and instructional systems…

Offers a response to Kozma's article and his views on educational technology. Maintains that Kozma focuses too much on technology-driven instruction and learning and over-emphasizes the role of media research. Discusses the role of technology and considers the future of academic programs in the field, particularly doctoral programs. (LRW)

Emphasizes the need to focus educational technology (ET) research on design as well as on technology. Suggests that what should distinguish the field of educational technology is designing with technology, and conducting research that examines the relationship between design and technology. Discusses technology as enabling new designs, not driving…

Examines three distance learning programs conducted over Vision Athena, an interactive television distance learning system. Emphasis in each project was on using interactive television to engage secondary school students in communities of practice in designed, or intentional, learning environments. Discusses the changing role of teachers,…

Describes a study of preservice teacher education students that investigated the process used by learners to seek, locate, and integrate information resources from the World Wide Web for use in a project-based environment. Discusses hypermedia systems; open-ended learning environments; the role of metacognitive, domain, and system knowledge; and…

Explores the effectiveness of distance learning and multimedia technologies in facilitating an expanded learning community between geographically separated elementary and secondary schools with Hispanic students in Texas. Highlights include the Cultural Connections program; teacher collaboration; curricular activities; identity-forming…

Discussion of computer-based online help systems for instructional software focuses on three types of learner support: for optimizing use of a computer program; for learning content; and for monitoring and enhancing learning. Proposes a multi-dimensional model of learner-support space defined by the intrusiveness of the delivery methods and…

Discussion of information technology in Japan includes historical background, government-initiated movements for school reform backed by computer networks, and the introduction of an information technology course in senior high schools. Describes a nationwide open education project in Korea and the state of cyber universities supported by the…