Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980) is most remembered for his statement "The medium is the message," an aphorism that embraces the theme of this issue of "Educational Technology." McLuhan showed as never before the hidden biases within all technologies. Today, 100 years after his birth, his laws of media and perceptive aphorisms…

The most defining characteristic of MOOCs and other massive courses may be their scale. In their popular description, in the pedagogical and technological approach, in course operation, and in impact, the scale of the course is always foremost in mind. Beyond changes in scale, there are challenges and opportunities to adapt the new techniques in a…

This article describes a 40-week Computer, Research Skills, and Projects (CRSP) blended learning course designed and implemented at Dubai Men's College. The learning employed a design using socio-constructivist principles in the blended approach to cater to the learning preferences of students. (Contains 2 figures and 1 footnote.)

The authors discuss the notion of Rapid Collaborative Knowledge Building (RCKB) in classroom settings. RCKB seeks to harness the collective intelligence of groups to learn faster, envision new possibilities, and to reveal latent knowledge in a dynamic live setting. It is characterized by the notion of rapid cycles of knowledge building activities…

This article explores the use of proper instructional techniques in online discussions that lead to meaningful learning. The research study looks at the effective use of two instructional techniques within online environments, based on qualitative measures. "Brainstorming" and "Six Thinking Hats" were selected and implemented…

The use of mobile technology can help extend children's learning spaces and enrich the learning experiences in their everyday lives where they move from one context to another, switching locations, social groups, technologies, and topics. When students have ubiquitous access to mobile devices with full connectivity, the in-situ use of the mobile…

This article discusses a possible approach to the evaluation of virtual community environments (VCE), intended as the integration of members, processes, and technologies characterizing a given community of professionals. In particular, as to the return on investment for VCE, the article supports the idea that tangible returns for the organization…

Discusses the concept of a Virtual Company--a collaborative, distributed learning environment built on the notions of competence-based, constructivist, open learning, and distance education. It features an authentic, role-playing game that is strongly modeled upon the functional structures of real-life companies. Outlines the set-up of a Virtual…

The Sultanate of Oman recently investigated the viability of online teacher training through a joint project funded by the U.S. Middle East Partnership Initiative and the Oman Ministry of Education. One aspect of the project was to build sufficient capacity within the Ministry to enable Oman to produce online training in the future. This article…

Discusses computer mediated communication (CMC) and describes some possible applications of this technology, especially the use of computer conferencing systems. Electronic bulletin boards, online journals, and social communication are discussed, and experiences with using e-mail as a distance education medium between the United States, Canada,…

Describes how multipoint desktop video conferencing (MDVC) is used in preservice teacher education programs in Singapore to enhance the professional development of student teachers by allowing them to share ideas, experiences, and teaching resources in real time with an audience wider than the schools in which they teach. Summative evaluations…

Discusses origins, structure, objectives, and implications for U.S. schools of ZEMPOREN, the All Japan Teachers' Federation Studying the Use of Radio and Television in Education, which promotes effective use of classroom broadcasting through a published journal, research, conventions, and by acting as liaison between the educational network and…

Describes KITES (Kids Interactive Telecommunications Experience by Satellite), a cooperative program that involved an eighth grade class in Massachusetts and a ninth grade class in West Germany; the program focused on environmental science and English language instruction. The computer technology used is described, problems are discussed, and…

Describes the World Links for Development (WorLD) program, a World Bank effort to bring the Internet to 40 developing countries to connect 1500 secondary schools for collaborative project-based learning. Discusses the World Bank's role in development; program objectives, focus of training, financing, and goals; and lessons learned. (PEN)

Examines the potential for using educational technology in distance education in developing countries as well as in established programs. The British Open University is discussed, and technology described includes television, cable, videodisc, satellites, teletext, videotext, computers, and radio. Future trends in the field are also discussed. (15…