The design and effects of using online pre-laboratory exercises in an introductory first-year university chemistry course that requires no previous knowledge of chemistry for non-major chemistry students is reported. The results have indicated that the majority of students involved in the study considered that their learning opportunities were…

The integration of biology Web sites can be effective in introductory biology courses. This technology offers rich educational opportunities for some learners yet may also erect barriers for students with learning disabilities. The benefits gained by using Internet technologies outweigh the pitfalls; however, a number of considerations should be…

We suggest the creation of a Global Web Laboratory (we call it "GloLab") for scientific purposes and teaching experiments online. In this article, we discuss the main principles and problems of building such a global Internet-laboratory. An example of a current working laboratory for teaching magnetism experiments online is also discussed.

The population growth together with the unsustainable consumption pattern is putting increasing stress on the planet's natural resources. The increasing realisation that humans are harming the environment is taking the form of a global movement intended to change behaviour towards sustainability, now recognised as a framework that links humans to…

The world wide web is becoming wider at an increasing rate. It is virtually impossible to take any kind of accurate snapshot of the state of its development. Undergraduate mathematics courses presented on the internet are relative newcomers to the race but nevertheless seem to be increasing in numbers also at a phenomenal rate. Internet education…

This case study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate students' perceptions of learning using a Web-based tutorial. Students participated in a Web-based tutorial to learn basic HTML as part of a graduate-level Web design course. Four of five students agreed to participate in the survey and interviews. After completing the…

The brief identifies key issues related to online learning that, if appropriately addressed, increase the likelihood of student success. It is intended primarily for districts or schools that are considering participating in an online learning program to expand course options, as well as for entities considering developing an online learning…

In an industrial technology course combining face-to-face instruction with WebCT courseware, 57 students were surveyed. The majority were first-time courseware users; 78.6% found it useful; 52.6% had no technical problems; 57.9% would enroll in a distance course using WebCT as the only contact with the instructor. (Contains 14 references.) (SK)

Describes the benefits for principals of online staff development for teachers. Sources of online courses and training include local and state departments of education, professional associations, colleges and universities, online universities, and commercial suppliers. (PKP)

Presents an overview of the features of course management systems as they pertain to teaching online courses. Specifically, it identifies tools and techniques related to the effective use of management features, assessment options, instructional activities, and communication in online courses. (EV)

Presents a WebQuest for the novel "Because of Winn-Dixie," which provides readers tasks to help them understand and better enjoy the story. Explains that some of the tasks should be done before reading the book, some should be completed while reading the book, and some should be done after finishing the book. Includes a "Just for Fun" section with…

Summarizes current published quality standards for electronic learning and organizes them into nine domains: executive/institutional commitment, technological infrastructure, student services, design and development, instruction and instructor services, program delivery, financial health, legal and regulatory requirements, and program evaluation.…

Describes the activity of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in support of asynchronous learning networks (ALNs) in universities. Discusses how these networks can provide the essentials of the traditional learning experience while assembling a diversity of students and teaching staffs and offering a flexibility of delivery that vastly extends…

Using dialogue theory based on Bakhtin, Rommetveit, and Lotman, analyzed an asynchronous Web-mediated discussion in a philosophy class. Found that the high degree of interactivity and dialogicality resulted from the quality of the assignment, the role of the teacher, and the symmetry of the participants. Discussion entries combined dialogic and…

Provides reviews of four distance learning software products: (1) LearningSpace, (2) LearnLinc I-Net, (3) LOIS (Learning Organization Information System), and (4) Symposium. Includes a comparison of the features of each of them. (JOW)