In Western countries today, instructed language learning in higher education normally includes use of the Web: as a resource in face-to-face classes, as an equal partner in instructional delivery in hybrid courses, or as the primary teaching and learning environment in distance learning. Most often today this is enabled through use of a learning…

This paper addresses the affective human experiences in terms of the emotions of South African teacher-students while attaining computer competencies for teaching and learning, and for ODL. The full mixed method study investigated how computers contribute towards affective experiences of disadvantaged teacher-students. The purposive sample related…

In a previous Techtalk column, Peterson and Caverly (2005) introduced the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2001) as a guide for online learning. The CoI model has maintained longevity and applicability to a variety of both synchronous and asynchronous technologies (Ice, Curtis, Phillips, & Wells, 2007). In this…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of usability and learnability in learning management systems (LMS) by considering the experiences of information and communications technology (ICT) experts and non-experts in using the LMS of an open-distance university. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses task-based…

This article discusses the multi-faceted challenges experienced by professionals embarking on professional development online. It is argued that the barriers to successful completion identified in the literature reflect the complex, overlapping, and not always supportive social systems in which professional learners are embedded. A…

The University of Guelph's experiences in using computer-based instruction and computer conferencing to make education accessible to distant learners illustrate how such problems as computer anxiety, technical difficulties, and technical delays affect access and learning. (SK)

A survey of 1,120 physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants identified their top preferences for continuing education delivery methods: in-person conferences, print-based self-study, and CD-ROM. Least favored were interactive audioconferences. Although most had computer access, traditional methods were more frequently used; lack of…

As higher education continues the rush to embrace technology-delivered learning opportunities, one imperative is to find ways to prepare faculty for what life will be like on the other side of the transformation. Independent of how great a teacher, scholar or researcher an individual may be, he or she needs to have accurate expectations of how…

Background: The literature on immersive virtual worlds and e-learning to date largely indicates that technology has led the pedagogy. Although rationales for implementing e-learning have included flexibility of provision and supporting diversity, none of these recommendations has helped to provide strong pedagogical location. Furthermore, there is…

This study sought to analyze the technical problems encountered by students in a technology training course for educators. The results of the study then informed the redesign of the course for its next offering. The study collected data by both qualitative and quantitative means with the overall purpose of determining in which course modules the…

This article, in a series on computer technology and distance education, focuses on "Type II Technology," courses using textbooks and course guides for primary delivery, but enhancing them with computer conferencing as the main vehicle of instructional communication. Discusses technology proficiency, maximizing learning in conferencing…

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet for delivering teaching modules and makes recommendations for successful use of the Internet. Highlights include the availability of information at all times and from remote locations, multimedia capabilities, infrastructure needed, security issues, updating, needed skills, and…

Presents a case study of a "hands-on" computing course taught both on- and off-campus at the University of the South Pacific. Topics discussed include the use of microcomputers in developing countries; course development; written and audiovisual materials; and the use of satellite tutorials and local tutors. (LRW)

Describes results of a survey of secondary school and college teachers that was conducted to determine subject matter that should be included in educational computing journals. Areas of interest included computer applications; artificial intelligence; computer-aided instruction; computer literacy; computer-managed instruction; databases; distance…

Examines the nature of interaction in an online course from both teacher and student perspectives. Findings suggest that the structure of the course, class size, feedback, and prior experience with computer-mediated communication all influenced interaction. Results emphasize the importance of socially constructed meanings from participants'…