Discusses how information technologies and distance education are changing workforce development. Focuses on the Digital Dakota Network (DDN), a cooperative effort to make distance education opportunities available to residents. Examines the related issues and implications of trends in the labor market. Outlines four recommendations for realizing…

Addresses the impact of technology-driven change, especially as it relates to South Dakota, its citizens, and their future. Discusses the impact and peripheral consequences of technology; accepting, managing, and leading change; and rural revitalization and the quality of life. Outlines critical new mindsets, involving technology-driven change,…

Addresses three myths relating to distance education: (1) for video-based distance education, the higher the frames per second the better; (2) the more interaction, the better; and (3) instructor training is required for anyone planning to teach at a distance. (LRW)

Discusses benefits of online distance learning and considers some of the barriers that need to be addressed for successful implementation. Topics include quality compared to traditional face-to-face methods; academic workloads; self-pacing issues; the lecturer's role; lack of standards; security concerns; and the need for strategic planning. (LRW)

Describes the development of learning communities within the context of asynchronous distance education, based on a study of 12 graduate students in a course that used Internet-based conferencing software. Preliminary results of empirical data, interviews, and student journals indicate a relationship between learning achievement and strength of…

Describes a study that compared two formats, traditional and distance education, for a case analysis/case writing model in a graduate course in professional development. Discusses media theory; media attributes of realism, interactivity and feedback, and interface; knowledge acquisition; skill development; confidentiality; and networking.…

Discusses problems that can arise when distance education is driven more by technology utilization than by proven instructional principles and describes the design and development of a Web-based performance support system that enables designers and teachers to design effective learning that incorporates proven instructional strategies into…

Discussion of distance education versus traditional instruction focuses on courses being converted at the Naval War College to Web-based courses. Explains equivalency theory, which aligns the learning experiences of online learners with those of on-site learners so that either scenario should yield the same outcomes. (LRW)

Discusses the software review process recently completed at the University of Kansas that resulted in the adoption of an integrated Web course development package. Highlights include stakeholders represented on the evaluation team; establishing review criteria; identifying and evaluating software; demonstrations; and recommendations. (Author/LRW)

Summarizes the main features of Michigan State University's Internet-based online degree programs in beam physics. Discuses enrollment and degree requirements; explains the WebCOSY system, an interactive Web-based homework and course management program; and examines participants, dropout rate, and grades. (Author/LRW)

Includes two articles that highlight changes in Eastern Europe's distance education in higher education institutions since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Examines the high demand for distance education in the Czech Republic and the need for training in distance education technology; and reports on the fourth Romanian Internet Learning Workshop.…