In Costa Rica, before 2016 the subject of statistics was not included in the national high school tests in Mathematics. As of 2016, the test, consisting of 60 items, includes 9 statistical items. On the other hand, teachers in their lessons usually use traditional expository methods, mediated by the use of a blackboard and printed materials. In…

The demands on academic staff in all sectors to adopt best ODL practices to create effective and efficient models of learning in the face of increasing external pressures show no signs of abating. The massification of higher education, diversified access, and pressures to meet institutional visions and research objectives demand of teaching staff…

With the resources provided by communication technologies, E-learning has been employed in multiple universities, as well as in wide range of training centers and schools. This book presents a structured collection of chapters, dealing with the subject and stressing the importance of E-learning. It shows the evolution of E-learning, with…

Drawing on research literature on online discussion and on reading and learning from the text, we argue that research on learning from text has much to offer but has been largely absent in informing the design and study of online learning environments. We propose several key issues to be considered in research and development of online discussion,…

This paper explores some of the challenges of RMIT University (Australia), a large cross-sectoral university, and considers how online learning has enabled one TAFE (Technical and Further Education) department to become more fully engaged in the wider university context. The first section provides an overview of RMIT, TAFE, and higher education.…

Provides an introduction to this special issue on distance education and e-learning. Several questions related to these topics are presented, and the articles contained in the issue are summarized. (MES)

Presents a series of questions to help rural school administrators assess their readiness to include distance learning as part of the instructional program. The questions address program need or purpose, school resources (human, facilities, and equipment), and selection of distance learning technology system. Lists brief explanations of common…

The demand for innovative educational development is also a demand for new approaches to leadership in higher education. The assumption that the adoption of an institutional policy that encourages the use of learning technologies is all that is necessary for the successful implementation of the policy obscures the role of middle level leadership.…

Educators in higher education are increasingly being called upon to design, develop, and deliver courses via the World Wide Web. Although reasons for the strong push to develop online courses are varied, it is clear that the perceived need for such courses is steadily increasing. Also needed are prescriptions for creating courses that are dynamic,…

Describes methods for developing and delivering library instruction in an electronic format. Discusses using a customized Web site as a backup for live instruction; creating a computer-generated slide presentation to accompany a live lecture or to be placed on the Web; writing a self-paced Web tutorial; and developing a complete online library…

Lists steps to follow when planning a course online: assess needs and necessary conditions to satisfy them; estimate development cost, effort, and implications; plan the virtual classroom; design the virtual classroom; prepare and distribute contents; enable communication; implement online student assessment methods; implement class management…

In this paper, the fundamental characteristics and capabilities of ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) networks in a distance learning environment are examined. Current and projected ATM applications are described, and issues and challenges associated with developing ATM networking solutions for instructional delivery are explored. Other topics…

The short history in the field of online learning of the UNITEC Institute of Technology (New Zealand) provides a story of changing attitudes and usage at three levels--organizational, tutorial, and student. From the first course designed for flexible delivery in 1994, UNITEC has progressed through three distinct phases of course development (i.e.,…

This book contains case studies that look at using technology in a wide range of situations, from fully online courses to more traditional face-to-face settings. The case studies deal with issues related to student interaction, teaching and assessment, planning and development, and policy. The following case studies are included: (1) "Flame…

A portrait of the early-adopter of World Wide Web (WWW) courses is painted in the results of a survey of the 71 instructors who had a WWW course listed on the Southern Regional Electronic Campus (SREC) during the first semester of its operation, Spring 1998. Data about their perceptions, practices, concerns, and the institutional norms under which…