Describes the introduction of a web-based package, WebCT, to support student learning in a large metabolism and nutrition class. Reports that student usage of the site was generally high and that students who achieved a high overall score completed on average three times as many formative assessments as students who did poorly. (Author/MM)

Discusses the concept of learning communities from storytelling oral traditions to current computer environments and considers factors needed for successful learning environments. Topics include the myth of interactivity and multimedia materials; telecommunications; navigating the Internet to find useful information; and distance learning. (LRW)

Describes the development and implementation of a web-based project, Walking With Wildlife, intended to encourage and enable first-hand encounters with the biodiversity of the natural world. (Contains 16 references.) (DDR)

Describes a mock judicial proceeding that incorporated computers in the classroom and questioned international law. Explains that students were divided into interested parties in the Kosovo conflict (NATO members, the Yugoslavian government, Kosovo Albanians, Russians, and Chinese), a delegation of human-rights groups, and a panel of judges. (CMK)

Considers implementing computers and multi-media in the classroom. Presents seven guidelines to remember when considering adding computer technology to a theater course. Concludes that computer technology is a learning tool but it should not be considered an adequate replacement for the interaction between a teacher and student within a classroom.…

This study of the online communications of 10 teams of SMEs (subject-matter experts), classroom teachers, and K-12 students focused on the functions, frequency and flow of e-mail messages exchanged in the context of curriculum-based projects. Eight tables and figures present findings. Contains 35 references. (AEF)

Distance-learning programs should augment, not replace, the existing classroom. They should expand the elementary curriculum and fill gaps in traditional course offerings. Examples include advanced courses for gifted students, eliminated arts and foreign languages courses, and instruction for homebound students. Program evaluation criteria and…

Suggests ways for educational institutions to avoid wasting money on software, including: (1) training staff properly; (2) considering the total costs of owning and maintaining software before purchasing it; and (3) finding out if the software will run properly on the school's hardware and network. Asserts that all of the hardware, connections,…

Asserts that, regardless of college size and budget, an Internet presence is attainable and will help increase the quantity and quality of communication between students, staff and faculty. Adds that this elevated level of interaction should result in time savings, increased registrations, higher retention, and happier students. (NB)

Lists 13 different Internet search engines that might be of interest to educators, including: AOL Search, Alta Vista, Google, Lycos, Northern Light, and Yahoo. Gives a brief description of each search engine's capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses and includes Web addresses of U.S. government offices, including the U.S. Department of Education.…

Explains what "portal" sites are on the World Wide Web stating that they often provide services or information that people frequently utilize. Contends that teachers and schools should consider creating a social studies portal site. Discusses different Web sites and offers two examples of social studies portals. (CMK)

Describes two exercises that utilize computers and the Internet in the social studies classroom: (1) virtual field trips; and (2) the virtual newsroom. Offers an example virtual field trip focusing on Mount Vernon (Virginia) and includes a virtual field trip guide. Presents an example of the virtual newsroom exercise on the Civil Rights movement.…

Although most college faculty are aware of the problems that students encounter when conducting research using the Internet, fewer recognize why their students lack success when using the electronic databases and indexes to which the institution's library subscribes. In this article, I point to teachers' assumptions about their students' "computer…

The evaluation of solutions is a major unresolved issue for all those involved in e-learning. In this paper we illustrate the importance of context by means of a qualitative comparison of two e-learning prototype implementations--an action research case undertaken in conjunction with a major German insurance company; and a more experimental…

Three-dimensional virtual worlds are an emerging medium currently being used in both traditional classrooms and for distance education. Three-dimensional (3D) virtual worlds are a combination of desk-top interactive Virtual Reality within a chat environment. This analysis provides an overview of Active Worlds Educational Universe and Adobe…