This paper describes a Web-based question-answering system called E-teacher that can be used in both traditional and distance learning courses to review academic contents. E-teacher is a self-editing template-based system that consists of a set of PHP scripts that generate the HTML code dynamically, or "on the fly." The entire E-teacher…

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation framework for a variety of organizations that wish to find the perfect fit between the needs of the organization and the online solutions they adopt. The framework described in this paper is an outcome of a collaborative effort between the department of Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation…

The use of intelligent software agents within computer mediated learning environments has become an important focus of research and development in both AI and educational contexts. Some of the roles envisaged and implemented for these electronic entities involve direct interactions with students, participating in the "social" dimension of the…

This paper describes the implementation of data conferencing to provide visual stimuli to students in the Homebound Program, a college degree program designed to accommodate students who are unable to come to campus for classes. The data conference system, a simpler, more cost effective alternative to video conferencing, transmits still images as…

This research explored the challenge of how students might successfully perform real laboratory experiments over the Internet without being in a laboratory. Numerous distance learning environments were surveyed, and the effectiveness and disadvantages of laboratory facilities currently available over the Internet were assessed. Full and part-time…

Presents a 10-step goal-oriented method for establishing an electronic college. Commitment to training, support, and motivation of people is advocated, as well as technological expertise. Each of the steps is described in detail using the "TowerNet" system from the Adult Education Department at Pennsylvania State University as a case…

Focuses on software for distance education. Discusses the cost of course development and highlights three classes of distance education tools: communication tools, course development tools, and digital imaging and video production software. Presents three scenarios that reflect the most likely approaches to course development and presentation.…

Examines current trends in educational telematics and presents frameworks, models, and guidelines for the design and evaluation of courses for remote learning delivery. Topics include technology-supported learning; the design of communication systems; student-centered learning; distributed methodologies; technology in curriculum development;…

Presents data management issues faced during the design and development of an open distance learning (ODL) system for the University of Patras, Greece. Outlines the architecture, design, and services of a network-based information system that supports ODL activities. The Web-based open and distance learning information system offers synchronous…

Asynchronous web-based learning environments are not usually as interactive or adaptive compared to traditional classrooms. The use of synchronous communication tools may be a solution to recreating the link between students and professors. However, synchronous collaborative learning environments are often restricted to a set of communication…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the design of a context-aware service for synchronous support in web-based educational systems. Design/methodology/approach: The proposed service supports synchronous interaction among tutors and students, based on their current context, thus increasing the communication channels, the reasoning and…

As the need for distance education grows, requirements for the development of high-speed network-based real-time distance learning systems increases. MHEG-5 is the fifth part of the MHEG (Multimedia and Hypermedia information coding Experts Group) standard, and it defines a final-form representation for application interchange. This paper…

This paper describes IRI (Interactive Remote Instruction), a computer-based system built at Old Dominion University (Virginia) in order to support distance education. The system is based on the concept of a virtual classroom where students at different locations have the same synchronous class experience, using networked computers to communicate…

New WWW technologies allow for integrating distance education power of WWW with interactivity and intelligence. Integrating on-line presentation of learning materials with the interactivity of problem solving environments and the intelligence of intelligent tutoring systems results in a new quality of learning materials that we call I3-textbooks.…

A student Web portal is a personalized, student-centric view of College Web resources. The "Artemis" system at Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ), represents movement toward realization of the efficiencies and student service possibilities of a Web portal. This proposal recommends a radical expansion of Artemis functions,…