Recognizing that online teaching and learning is placed within an environment where neither the teacher nor the student has complete-control is the first step to actioning capabilities towards a humanized environment. The tool that is typically used in higher education, the learning management system (LMS), has a design that constrains learning…

Using the British "Index to Theses", we found forty-seven Ph.D.s relating to second and foreign language learning and/or teaching defended in English universities in 2006. Objective criteria led us to fourteen theses which had investigated both teaching and learning. Over half of these adopted a process-product research design with the…

Examines problems of existing courseware authoring systems and suggests the use of knowledge-based techniques. A prototype knowledge-based representation language called GTE (Generic Tutoring Environment) is described that could form the basis of a full authoring environment, including generic tasks and instructional methods, domain knowledge, and…

Seymour Papert, the inventor of the computer language LOGO, claims even small children can learn to program computers. Children must think through what they want the computer to do and thereby develop a deeper understanding of the material. (Author/MLF)

Research on the characteristics of effective computer-based education (CBE) courseware suggests that content structure and levels of questions presented determine whether the deep cognitive processing requisite for learning takes place. A decision table of types of instructional questions covering Bloom's taxonomy is presented and discussed.…

Discusses computer-supported cooperative learning (CSCL) in the context of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW). Highlights include learning as a process in CSCW, learning as a task, learning research and CSCL, methodologies of researchers in CSCL, learning outcomes, and educational research issues in CSCL. Contains 62 references. (LRW)

Three aspects of Piagetian theory are explored in this article and are then related to the use of computers in the education of young children. The computer tends to disrupt the development process by ignoring action and assimilation processes necessary for child development. (DF)

Proposes a means by which inflectional paradigms can be promoted from their present status as references at the end of textbooks to a more central role in the language learning process. Suggests a computer setting can enhance this process. (Author/VWL)

Describes the JITOL (Just-in-Time Open Learning) project funded by the European Community and offers a JITOL perspective on electronic performance support as a technology for accessing distributed knowledge and promoting continuing professional development through computer-mediated communication. The learning cycle, prototype tools, and courseware…

Discusses legitimate peripheral participation and the idea of apprenticeship, in educational settings as well as in broader communities of practice. Highlights include the historical and situational aspects of learning; the contrast with constructivism; instructionism; the influence of computer technology; and empirical research. (11 references)…

Describes one way of structuring an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) in light of developments in artificial intelligence. A specialized intelligent operating system (SIOS) is proposed for software for a network of microcomputers, and it is postulated that a general learning system must be used as a basic framework for the SIOS. (Author/LRW)

The computer in the education setting can serve as tutor, tool, and tutee. A five-stage model of skill acquisition is offered that explores the use of computers and learning styles. (DF)

Discusses problems in creating the information retrieval mechanisms used in constructivist computer-based learning environments to support knowledge discovery: (1) subject can not always be pre-specified and the learner may not know what to seek; (2) retrieval strategies differ considerably from conventional ones, with the search including data,…

Discussion of training needs of small businesses highlights a training package based on an expert system that was developed in England. Learning styles are discussed, computer-based training (CBT) packages are described, the position audit process is explained, and the value of prototyping is discussed. (LRW)

Discussion of electronic performance support systems (EPSS) focuses on performance support engineering and its role in designing performance support systems. Highlights include the organizational performance/learning cycle model; a systems approach to EPSS; computer-based training and other EPSS methodologies; and future possibilities. (LRW)