As with any innovation, the adoption and diffusion of digital technologies in higher education have also brought unintended consequences. This article discusses the unintended misuse of these technologies in the higher education setting. Depending upon severity, these consequences discussed--distraction, addiction, academic dishonesty, and…

The most defining characteristic of MOOCs and other massive courses may be their scale. In their popular description, in the pedagogical and technological approach, in course operation, and in impact, the scale of the course is always foremost in mind. Beyond changes in scale, there are challenges and opportunities to adapt the new techniques in a…

Autism Spectrum Disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability today. Autism is a syndrome with a diverse set of symptoms--rarely consistent across diagnosed individuals, and requiring a combination of therapies, educational approaches, and treatments. There is no known cure for autism. Instead treatment is left to educators and…

In response to the wide-scale proliferation of "the cone of learning"--a fanciful retention chart confounded with Dale's Cone of Experience--the authors make four major claims debunking this fantasy and provide documentary evidence to support these claims. The first claim is that the data in the mythical retention chart do not make…

This article describes a 40-week Computer, Research Skills, and Projects (CRSP) blended learning course designed and implemented at Dubai Men's College. The learning employed a design using socio-constructivist principles in the blended approach to cater to the learning preferences of students. (Contains 2 figures and 1 footnote.)

Critics have been attempting to debunk the mythical retention chart at least since 1971. The earliest critics, David Curl and Frank Dwyer, were addressing just the retention data. Beginning around 2002, a new generation of critics has taken on the illegitimate combination of the retention chart and Edgar Dale's Cone of Experience--the corrupted…

The authors are attempting to set the record straight regarding the sources frequently cited in the literature of the mythical retention chart and the corrupted Dale's Cone. They point out citations that do not actually connect with relevant works; provide correct citations of sources that are often cited erroneously; add references for overlooked…

Understanding how experienced designers approach complex design problems provides new perspectives on how they translate instructional design (ID) models and processes into practice. In this article, the authors describe the results of a study in which 16 "seasoned" designers shared compelling stories from practice that offered insights into their…

Discusses the need for moving beyond mere information seeking and acquisition to a critical thinking and problem solving approach. Highlights include the Deweyan emphasis on reflection and deliberation; knowledge creation as a shared endeavor; and the art of communicating meaning through intelligently guided inquiry and carefully crafted language.…

The rapid growth of technology has made online tools available for education. The ability to discern the characteristics of these tools and to use them appropriately for educational purposes has become increasingly critical. Weblogs and discussion forums are among those up-and-coming tools that have great potential in supporting learning. They…

The use of electronic mail (e-mail) to facilitate communications between professors and students is presented. Examples of uses include announcements, students' questions, counseling, distribution of class assignments, quizzes, grade posting, homework hints, and attendance issues. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed. (SLW)

Contrasts rational thought with "hyperthinking" where individuals have no concept of how to gather, evaluate, and use information to create coherent arguments. Examines hypermind characteristics: lack of self-knowledge, prey to sensory stimulation, poor communication and thinking skills, lack of metacognitive abilities, and inability to…

Provides a structural definition of interactivity in instruction, with the goal of describing and delimiting a broad and general process. Examines the four major attributes to the concept of interactivity, and defines four additional variables that arise through the structural study of interaction. Outlines five common patterns that deal with…

Presents an explanation for the increase in the number of computer users. Suggests that, in addition to providing electronic-communication services, information technologies may also support thinking and learning processes. Uses a theoretical background to analyze two activities carried out in computational environments: construction of a Web site…

Examines the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of online education based on a review of the literature. Discusses the three major variables contributing to success in online learning--instructional design, social matters, and students' personal factors; findings of case studies analyzing cost-effectiveness; and factors affecting…