This paper reports on empirical research into formative assessment conducted in a blended learning environment within a professional doctorate in education (EdD.) programme in an English university, focusing primarily on peer discussion forum activity. This was conceptualised within sociocultural learning theories, where learning entails processes…

The use of online learning is growing very fast in universities. Consequently, understanding how to promote student contribution in asynchronous online discussions, which is considered an integral part of online learning, has become increasingly crucial. Previous research has examined how factors, such as instructor facilitation techniques may…

The characteristics of contemporary societies are increasingly theorized as global, fluid, and networked. These conditions underpin the emerging knowledge economy as it is shaped by the societal and technological forces of late capitalism. These shifts and developments have significantly affected the communicational landscape of the 21st century.…

A sample of 81 Australian primary teachers was surveyed in 1985 and a similar group of 55 teachers was surveyed in 1987 in order to compare the numbers and variety of microcomputers purchased and how teachers used them in primary schools. Data were collected on teaching background, participation in inservice and preservice courses, and various…

The author describes a 2-year study of the process of microtechnological innovation in two schools, based on teacher interviews and classroom observation. Interviews covered practices, attitudes, and policy development. Observation focused on resource use. Results suggest that teachers need further training in microtechnology to transform certain…

Examines the types of history software has been produced in Europe. Questions the quality of the programs and how far the didactic theory of computer assisted learning in history has advanced. Concludes with an appendix of over 100 commerically available pieces of history software. (BSR)

This journal offers a collection of Spanish-language articles, including: "Educacion a Distancia y Uso de las Tecnologias: Experiencias Desafios y Oportunidades Educativas para Jovenes y Adultos" (Ma. Mercedes Ruiz); "Volver a a Educacion Fundamental? Notas para una Arquelogia de los Mandatos Fundacionales del CREFAL" (Jorge…

This paper describes problems related to online learning at Central Queensland University (Australia) and suggests a process for the development and use of patterns in online learning as a possible step toward addressing these problems. The first section identifies the following problems with existing practice in online learning: the…

This collection of papers begins with a preface by Victor Ordenez, followed by opening speeches by Federico Mayor, Tetsuo Misumi, Heitor Gurgulino de Souze, and Wichit Srisa-an, and a keynote address by Takashi Kosugi. Three working papers include: "The University of the Future" (Edgardo J. Angara); "Institutional Challenges,…

New technologies are used in many courses and for many occasions. Good teachers try to use the best tool and the best method to introduce or to treat difficult subjects by presenting the information in different ways: spoken words, written text, pictures, graphs, movies or by using interactive computer tools. It is a fact that students who…

Describes the process of introducing new information technologies in the Russian Federation higher education system. Illustrates the condition of Russian higher education and presents concepts and major programs of federal information technology policy. Shows how Udmurt State University, Izhevsk, Russia, has integrated new technology issues in the…

Review of research on students' use of word processing for text generation and revision and its impact on text quality suggests that enthusiasm about its benefits may be misplaced. Enabling students to model structural features of sophisticated texts may help with complex writing tasks and change conceptions of writing. (SK)

Describes the development of the Campus Global portal at a public university in Spain. The project aimed to change the ways in which the university community worked, taught, and learned. Examines how the project was carried out, the transformations it instigated inside the organization, the improvements it has brought about, and the current state…

Describes a study that identified attributes that can characterize the Net generation and examines how these attributes, together with perceived seductive properties of the Internet (e.g., pleasure of control and fluidity of identity) and gratifications obtained from the Internet can predict popular Internet activities. Reports results of a…

Describes a study that examined the attitudes of Arab dropout youth in Israel toward the use of computer technology and the influence of this use on their self-esteem. Results supported the assumptions that exposure to computer technology would change the attitudes of dropout adolescents toward computers to positive ones. (Contains 43 references.)…