Learning can take place in a variety of different contexts. Two important categories of learning event are those which are "contrived" and those which are "serendipitous." If they are to be optimally successful, the first of these types of event requires a level of planning that is commensurate with the outcomes that are to be achieved. Planning…

This paper outlines the principles and theory of performance support (in general) and of electronic performance support (in particular). It explains why the design and creation of electronic performance support systems are so important as a mechanism for providing scaffolding environments for use in improving the learning experience for new (and…

It is often claimed that techniques such as "multimedia" and the use of blended learning environments can be used to achieve powerful interactive pedagogies. Indeed, the advent of easy-to-use multimedia technologies has meant that a plethora of digital learning products is now becoming available. Despite the relative ease-of-use of these new…

Compared to our ancestors, we live in an era of unprecedented change. This change brings with it opportunities both for success and for disaster. If individuals, organisations and nations are to court success and avoid disaster, it is imperative that we identify useful mechanisms that will enable us to amplify the possibility of one while…

A prototype virtual university server in Lebanon (VUSIL) has been designed and implemented. The server is to be used as a basis for the creation of a digital campus facility in Lebanon. An important aspect of the server has been its use as a tool for attempting to assess potential students' attitudes to this approach to learning. This paper…

Dialogue is arguably one of the most important components of any learning process. However, as student numbers increase and more emphasis is given to electronic delivery of courses, opportunities for effective dialogue may be missed. The technology to support e-learning dialogue is readily available, but design of the dialogue structures and…

Focuses on the use of multimedia delivery technologies and their effect on distance education at the Community College of Southern Nevada. Discusses the creation, delivery, and evaluation of an online version of an existing campus-based module; compares the two versions; and discusses results in terms of examination performance and student…

Discussion of electronic performance support systems (EPSS) focuses on an application within the domain of quantitative research methods as taught in a university psychology course. Describes the design and implementation of the system and outlines results of an evaluative study of the EPSS. (Author/LRW)

Introduces and discusses a model of teaching and learning that can be used as a basis for building new types of educational infrastructure based upon the use of Web-based resources, peer group interaction and online tutoring. Discusses the special role that e-tutoring plays within online courses and outlines some of the implications of this…