Examines whether the technological development of expert systems can be achieved successfully by students in distance instruction, and differences between distance learning and traditional campus education. Results suggest that not only can successful systems development be achieved but that the hands-on aspect of systems development contributes…

Discussion of interactive technologies and open learning focuses on computer supported cooperative work (CSCW), especially computer based message systems, and their effects on open learning. Topics discussed include cooperative learning; distance learning; individualized instruction; local area networks; group communication; and design principles…

Discussion of distributed multimedia visualization focuses on projects being developed through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for Educational Computing Initiatives and the AthenaMuse Software Consortium. Highlights include authoring environments; multimedia network services; distance education; multilingual materials;…

The use of video in teaching and learning is a common practice in education today. As learning online becomes more of a common practice in education, streaming video and audio will play a bigger role in delivering course materials to online learners. This form of technology brings courses alive by allowing online learners to use their visual and…

FODEM (FOrmative DEvelopment Method) is a design method for developing digital learning environments for widely dispersed learning communities. These are communities in which the geographical distribution and density of learners is low when compared to the kind of learning communities in which there is a high distribution and density of learners…

The aim of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) training is to provide RAAF personnel with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary for them to do their jobs effectively. This paper discusses the issues involved in implementing a training system using the Royal Australian Air Force Distance Learning System (RAAFDLS) as a case study. To…

This article deals with providing support for the execution of pedagogical scenarios in Learning Management Systems. It takes an engineering point of view to identifies actors, design and use processes. Next it defines the necessary capabilities of a platform so that actors can manage or use pedagogical scenarios. The second part of the article is…

Technology holds the key for bridging the gap between access to quality education and the need for enhanced learning experiences. This book contains case studies on divergent themes of personalized learning environments, inclusive learning for social change, innovative learning and assessment techniques, technology and international partnership…

Universities are quickly moving from brick and mortar toward online classroom settings. The online setting provides students with increased accessibility and flexibility to attend classes they would normally be unable to attend. Unfortunately, for those students who never attend classes on campus, many campus resources are not accessible. Students…

This guide to proposed microcomputer systems and their applications for training institutions in developing countries discusses the development of such systems and recommends hardware and computer software configurations for typical training applications. Arguing that the microcomputer should be used for greater personal and institutional…

One obvious reason that teachers hesitate to create Web sites for their distance courses is the lack of computer/technology skills. Other teachers who know how to create a well-structured course site are put off by the fact that it takes a lot of time to maintain it. Thus there is a risk that the course site will be ill-structured and poorly…

As learners use World Wide Web-based distance learning systems over a period of years, large amounts of learning logs are generated. An instructor needs analysis tools to manage the logs and discover unusual patterns within them to improve instruction. However, logs of a Web server cannot serve as learners' portfolios to satisfy the requirements…

The design issues involved in the effective use of computer-mediated communication in a multimedia distance education environment are examined, with particular reference to recent and current initiatives at the Open University in Great Britain. A description of the components of the Open University's electronic campus (the conferencing system and…

In order to provide teachers and students with electronic learning environments that support mentoring and collaboration through electronic means, the authors developed software that supports same time/different place educational collaborative activities over the Internet. These activities focus on teaching students how to organize and systematize…

Discusses distance learning, describes the Open University in the United Kingdom, and describes the incorporation of home computing into computer courses at the Open University. Industrial training is discussed, a course using televised classes and one using video and printed materials are described, and future possibilities are suggested. (Three…