Reviews research related to computer-mediated communication, electronic learning (elearning), and interactivity, including instructional strategies and activities suggested by the research. Categorizes definitions of interactivity, identifies gaps in the research, and presents common research conclusions across studies to provide linkages from…

Discussion of constructivist learning environments and the instructor's role focuses on interaction in electronic learning (elearning) environments. Highlights include learning-centered environments; situated learning; pre-learning activities; active learning; interactive learning; interaction with content, peers, and instructor; feedback and…

Examines the relationship between the graphical user interface (GUI) and the cognitive demands placed on the learner in eLearning (electronic learning) environments. Describes ways educators can design appropriate interfaces to facilitate meaningful interactions with educational content; and examines learner engagement and engagement theory using…

Discusses eLearning (electronic learning) communities and their impact on human learning; reviews frameworks used for examining eLearning communities; and proposes a refined framework for future research and development that includes instruction (interactivity, community learning, and collaboration), social interaction (social context and…

Describes a study that investigated types of interaction that graduate students perceived to be important for elearning (electronic learning). Discusses content interaction, conversation and collaboration, interpersonal and metacognitive skills, and need for support; explains the Online Learning Interaction Inventory; and reports that flexibility…

Reports on the New World Learning Symposium held in London in November, 2001 that discussed new learning technologies. Highlights include student preferences in distance education; developments in the United Kingdom and other countries; combining Web-based learning with traditional face-to-face classes and videoconferencing; and corporate…

Discusses the need for innovation in online learning and suggests that online learning in universities and corporate training should focus on problem solving. Recommends the implementation of problem and domain-specific problem architectures in online delivery packages and describes two possible examples of such architectures. (LRW)

Examines the concept of the ideal online learning environment of the future that would encourage learners' epistemological development. Suggests that advanced epistemological development is a desirable outcome for online education, explores current limitations of online learning environments in terms of epistemic development, and describes…

Describes an online self-organizing social system (OSOSS) which allows large numbers of individuals to self-organize in a highly decentralized manner to solve problems and accomplish other goals. Topics include scalability and bandwidth in online learning; self-organization; learning objects; instructional design underlying OSOSS, including…

Discusses organic architecture and suggests that learning environments should be designed and constructed using an organic approach, so that learning is not viewed as a distinct human activity but incorporated into everyday performance. Highlights include an organic knowledge-building model; information objects; scaffolding; discourse action…

Discusses online technologies and distance education and suggests that combining distributed learning and a technology-first approach for instructional design could produce a new framework that would begin with the nature of the technology as its central assumption. Describes the present framework of the virtual classroom and considers the nature…

Discussion of distance learning models suggests they should not follow the traditional lecture-discussion course. Proposes a model that is a community of learning and practice, supports collaboration and is not compatible with traditional academic conventions; and explains instructional strategies that can lead to improved access for…

Discusses virtual universities and the design of Web courses. Topics include current traditional college courses; computer assisted instruction; reconsidering education; why professors teach; what they teach; what students expect; how employers view graduates; certification; why knowledge is overrated; goal-based course design; and conceptual…

Outlines current trends in education and considers their impact on the future of education, particularly distance education. Highlights include the pressure to use technology; standardized competencies; outcomes and assessments; teacher's role; learner-centered philosophies; constructivism; field-based and informal learning; automating…

Contrasts the dominant mode of formal education today with new interactional frameworks enabled by new technologies, including teleapprenticeships and tele-task forces. Explores alternative physical settings for education, including neighborhood learning centers, to combine the strengths of face-to-face interaction with computer-mediated…