Comparison of 48 nursing students in a traditional research course and 18 taking the course on the Web showed no differences in learning outcomes. Reasons for preferring the classroom were increased interaction, decreased potential for procrastination, and immediate feedback. The Web group cited cost, convenience, and flexibility. Self-directed,…

Addresses issues associated with motivating students to learn in cyber learning environments; reviews the ARCS model as a basis for systematic motivational design; describes a simplified motivational design; and discusses motivationally-adaptive computer assisted instruction, applications in distance education, and applications in Web-based…

Overviews different types of Web lectures and identifies characteristics of systems and software specifically for Web presentations. Discusses matching the goals of development with level of technology and selecting from three levels of advancement in Web-based systems. Compares level of media, structuring, and advanced features of 12…

Describes ways to develop interactive, web-based training programs for a minimal cost. Discusses partnerships, the use of video, low-budget alternatives, and the versatility of the Web. (JOW)

Web-based instruction in graduate nursing courses was built on learner-centered and adult learning philosophies and interaction at several points: precourse, course start-up, course maintenance, and course closure. Students were relatively satisfied, found the courses convenient, were moderately engaged in active learning, and felt prepared for…

Discusses the use of minimum levels of technology, or technological minimalism, for Web-based multimedia course content. Highlights include cost effectiveness; problems with video streaming, the use of XML for Web pages, and Flash and Java applets; listservs instead of proprietary software; and proper faculty training. (LRW)

Suggests research issues of motivation in Web-based instruction (WBI). Discusses motivational issues of WBI. Proposes a definition of motivation in WBI (based on Keller's ARCS Model). Conceptualizes three types of motivation (motivation to initiate, motivation to persist, motivation to continue), with motivational problems related to each.…

Discussion of student engagement in Web instruction focuses on which facets of online learning, as measured by the Western Governors University Distance Education Self-Test, predict levels and types of student engagement in Web coursework. Highlights include learning styles; time management skills; and the lack of a need for face-to-face…

Reviews the possibilities of using the World Wide Web for course delivery and support and provides a description of the use of one instructional model, the Personalized System of Instruction, for Web course design based on experiences at Texas Tech University. Discusses problems and describes a sample course. (LRW)

Enumerates the benefits to industry of web-based training and provides a framework to clarify the goals, methods, interaction modes, and roles of four models. Includes examples of accessible Internet sites. (JOW)

Discusses worldwide Web-based training (WBT) and cautions that WBT is not good for all training goals, not all audiences are technically prepared, and not all organizational cultures are ready. Describes a variety of WBT delivery methods and recommends a cross-functional international team to design and implement international WBT. (LRW)

Student and teacher opinions were obtained regarding a Web-based ethics course for nursing graduate students. Both groups had positive views of online discussions; critical and reflective thinking was enhanced; technical difficulties were overcome with the help of expert support services; compressed time frame was a drawback; and ways to enhance…

Describes a study conducted at four Taiwan universities that measured the impact of variables on learners' perceived transactional distance in a World Wide Web learning environment. Examines learners' skill level with the Internet, previous experience in taking distance education courses, extent of interaction, and types of learner support.…

Defines synchronous Web-based course support systems as software applications emphasizing features that allow students to meet and interact with one another in a virtual classroom at a specific time. Describes features available that help create a social constructivist learning environment. (LRW)

Reports on the administration and grading of automated tests in five successive semesters of a course in genetics and evolution. Students showed a gain in learning. Suggests that gains in learning will vary with discipline, teaching technique, and student background. (Author/MM)