This paper details a 2-year study of exemplary uses of electronic texts (information displayed electronically on a computer screen) in two English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learning contexts. Topics include the following: the need and desire to communicate; opportunities for topic control; and opportunities for planned and unplanned discourses.…

This information resources (IR) planning document for Stephen F. Austin State University (Texas) is divided into three main sections corresponding to the organization of IR among three departments. The University Information Systems section contains: an executive summary; introduction/IR vision; external/internal assessment of planning factors and…

Web Based Distance Learning (WBDL) is a form of distance learning based on providing instruction mainly on the World Wide Web. This paradigm has limitations, especially the lack of interactivity inherent in the Web. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the technologies the authors have used in their courses at Florida Atlantic…

This paper describes the process of establishing an Internet-based online graduate degree program for teachers. At Webster University (Missouri), this program was the first online degree to be offered by the institution. The paper reviews Webster University's experiences and outlines a planning process that includes defining the rationale (risks)…

This paper provides an overview of different electronic portfolio development tools and introduces a strategy for using Portable Document Format (Adobe Acrobat PDF) files to store and organize electronic teaching portfolios. A 12-step process for constructing electronic portfolios is described, as are storing the working portfolio, publishing the…

World-Wide Web-based instruction (WBI) has become a powerful tool in recent years. However, WBI utilizing a constructivist theoretical framework has not been explored. A database-driven WBI is the solution for this implementation. Another critical issue is the difficulty encountered in creating, editing, and maintaining WBIs, particularly for…

This report shows the findings of a 1997 technology survey used to assess degrees of faculty computer expertise and the use of instructional technology. Part 1 reviews general findings of the fall 1997 technology survey: (1) the level of computer expertise among faculty, staff and administrators appears to be increasing; (2) in comparison with the…

This paper examines general systems theory as it applies to higher education institutions. Using this approach, the university is viewed as a system (comprised of subsystems) that interacts with the external environment. The first sections of the paper review general systems theory and its application to management, and examine some theoretical…

This proceedings of the 2000 Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference contains 459 papers organized in the following sections: Concepts and Procedures (23 papers); Distance Education (24 papers); Diversity & International (9 papers); Educational Computing Course (13 papers); Educational Leadership (8…

This paper shows features the development of new models for integration of internal and external students into the same type of courses and the making of a dual mode learning environment with common courses for on-campus and external students. Based on feedback from students, experiences about how these models work are presented. The work focuses…

This study examined the impact of a technology course on in-service teachers. Teachers' comfort level, beliefs, confidence, and attitude toward the use of technology were investigated. The impact of the course with different degrees of technology integration was also researched. The results indicate that the course increased students' comfort…

This study looks at how the media used in online discussion can affect the learning outcomes for students involved in distance learning activities. Online discussion within any learning environment can provide the opportunity for students to engage in thoughtful, content-based conversations about the topic under study, which may result in deeper…

The design of teacher education programs, including the preparation of teachers for working with information and communication technology (ICT), requires balancing of multiple considerations. Attention should be given to characteristics of students, requirements of education authorities and prospective employers, broader community aspirations, and…

This paper examines the effectiveness of increasing the confidence of preservice teachers in using technology for personal and instructional purposes as a result of participating in an introductory educational technology course offered at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education. Course participants attended sections designed for…

This paper critically reflects upon the questions asked and the models and methods employed to evaluate online learning in several studies. These online studies range from setting up online networks for social interaction and facilitating collaborative learning experiences among graduate students in several universities, to moderating worldwide…