This article presents an interview with Dr. Susan C. Aldridge, the president of University of Maryland University College (UMUC) in the United States. Founded in 1947, UMUC is an accredited institution dedicated to providing working adults, military personnel, and students worldwide the opportunity to achieve their academic goals through online…

This study examines how one student pair working face-to-face at a computer and engaged in a web-based discussion environment negotiated meanings for their activity and what contextual resources they used in this negotiation process. The aim was also to study how the students themselves interpreted the learning activity. The subjects were two…

The amount of resources being poured by Western universities, companies, and governments into creating educational content to be exported (via the Internet) to other cultures is astounding. Those assigned to accomplish this task are left with the great challenge of meeting the needs of learners who come from cultures that are foreign to them, and…

Although research on computer-assisted and online instruction abounds, researchers have expressed concern about the lack of theoretical frameworks for these studies. While ample research documents learning outcomes in individual courses, few attempts have been made to link computer-assisted or fully computer-mediated instruction with philosophical…

The design of a web-based hypermedia learning solution requires a robust design process--a full iteration that conceptually, metaphorically, structurally and navigationally defines a solution with the end users at its core as exemplified by Kommers (2001). Initially this process was considered as a sequential, hierarchical pyramid from conceptual…

WebTOP is a three-dimensional, Web-based, interactive computer graphics system that helps instructors teach and students learn about waves and optics. Current subject areas include waves, geometrical optics, reflection and refraction, polarization, interference, diffraction, lasers, and scattering. Some of the topics covered are suited for…

Four instructional principles for alleviating cognitive overload in online learning are suggested: 1) Guide learners to prepare and maintain an effective workstation for accessing online materials, 2) Employ advance organizers for effective online navigation, 3) Arrange instructional materials for easy online manipulation, and 4) Organize…

This chapter introduces the "Cybercounseling and Cyberlearning" Web site. It includes a brief description of the following chapters contained in the Web site: (1) "Cybersupervision: Close Encounters in the New Millennium" (D. Coursol and J. Lewis); (2) "Theoretical Tenets of Cybersupervision: Implications and…

This paper discusses issues and factors involved in making decisions on whether to use World Wide Web-based instruction. Five levels of Web-based instruction (no Web use, informational, supplemental, essential, communal, or immersive Web use) are discussed, and the following factors are identified to consider before making the decision to put…

Describes the development of a multimedia Web-based system in Europe which combines an autonomous approach to learning involving both collaborative and trainer-guided activities. Focuses on the opportunities offered by information and communication technology to the training of technicians who have to gain shared knowledge on water network…

In a mandatory 4-week program, medical students assessed and managed the care of frail elderly with acute medical problems and disabilities. Web-based lectures with pre/posttests and electronic portfolio assessment were included. The experience was intended to promote reflection, interactive learning, and feedback. (Contains 24 references.) (SK)

Describes a study conducted at Brunel University (United Kingdom) that examined the effect of users' cognitive styles on their perceptions of multimedia technology quality in Web-based instruction. Presents the theoretical background and discusses Quality of Service and Quality of Perception. (LRW)

Reports a study exploring the learning styles and perceptions of undergraduate and postgraduate students at Brunel University (United Kingdom) in relation to using the Web for learning. Explores the sequential/global learning style dimension in relation to three categories of Web-based interaction: learner-tutor, learner-leaner, and…

Discusses the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) in traditional large undergraduate courses and describes the STEP PBL system, a Web-based system that supports teaching assistants in their work as PBL tutors and creates a viable model for preservice teacher education. (LRW)

Discusses WebQuest, an inquiry-oriented Web-based classroom learning tool, in terms of its applicability to classroom learning situations, particularly its ability to inspire critical thinking. Compares WebQuest to a critical thinking framework to determine its effectiveness in inspiring critical thinking skills. (Author/LRW)