"Online Collaborative Learning: Theory and Practice" provides a resource for researchers and practitioners in the area of online collaborative learning (also known as CSCL, computer-supported collaborative learning), particularly those working within a tertiary education environment. It includes articles of relevance to those interested in both…

This article looks at the quality assurance practices amongst three (3) groups of staff in the School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia, i.e. lecturers, resident tutors and support staff. 9 dimensions of the Quality Assurance Practices i.e. Staff Development, Planning, Work Process, Team Work, Prioritise Customers, Performance…

The information technology/information systems (IT/IS) education sector needs to come up with creative ways of thinking about on-line education. In this paper, the major themes in the literature on on-line education to date are highlighted with a view to identifying issues that are either missing or under-emphasized. Next, the "radical model of…

New technology, which is eliminating the barriers of time and distance, is also challenging the existence of traditional, geographically based campuses and curriculum based on textbooks. Universities need to update curriculum to conform to changes in the teacher's role from provider of knowledge to facilitator of life-long learning. Technological…

The essays in this book, by contributors from around the world, clarify predominant theoretical issues that pertain to virtual instruction, and offer practical suggestions for implementing these programs in any setting. Chapters include: "Mapping Space and Time: Virtual Instruction as Global Ritual" (Joyce W. Nutta and Carine M. Feyten);…

The aims of CREATIS (Creating the Information Society) were to provide the West Lothian (Scotland) community with the highest quality information technology (IT) learning opportunities, a high capacity communications infrastructure and a hardware base that would: connect West Lothian's schools, libraries and community education centers to the West…

This paper describes the evaluation of high quality learning designs, which are being selected for possible redevelopment in a National Project funded by the Australian University Teaching Committee (AUTC). The project focuses on "Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Their Role in Flexible Learning" and is evaluating…

This paper describes three government-funded technology programs in Portugal and the changes they brought about in Portuguese schools: (1) Project MINERVA (Computing Means in Education: Rationalization, Valorization, Actualization), launched in 1985 and ended in 1994, was an innovative program to introduce new technologies in schools; (2) Program…

This report summarizes findings and recommendations from the Road Ahead Program (1995-1997) of the National Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE), a nonprofit foundation of the National Education Association and funded by Bill Gates, cofounder and CEO of Microsoft Corporation. Twenty-two sites in 15 states were selected by the NFIE.…

The rapid growth in the number of students taking classes via correspondence, video or television delivery in Washington state technical and community colleges during the last decade was largely due to the expansion of telecourse offerings and the recent growth of online (Internet-based) and interactive videoconferencing courses. In fall 1994,…

This paper discusses the need for university faculty to effectively model appropriate and engaging uses of computer technology in teacher education courses. Preservice teachers need to experience implementing meaningful ways to use available technologies in preparation of lessons and activities. Specific reference to infusion of technology in…

Explores the power of Digital Video Interaction (DVI) technology, specifically its ability to combine multimedia tools to form a single communication engine. Looks at what DVI is, its historical origins, its importance, how it works, and where its impact might be felt in the next century. Examines the potential of DVI in developing countries for…

Presents examples of how computer-mediated communication (CMC) affects language learning, describing a successful CMC project involving a Minnesota middle school and a school in France. Students exchanged electronic mail over two years and eventually produced a student-written, bilingual, multicultural play. Though students differed in age and…

In the Community of Explorers Project (CoE) high school teachers and students engaged in scientific problem solving using advanced network technology and innovative pedagogy. Analysis of e-mail indicated the important effects of organizational and occupational cultures on the application of technology in classrooms and on the development of a…

Summarizes a study where students were not given full access to the Internet, but were exposed to a variety of Internet source material downloaded onto a network fileserver, and encouraged to communicate internally and externally using electronic mail. Recommends controlled use of the Internet for both the lecturer and student. (MJP)