The combination of technology applications and an understanding of developmental pathways theory enhances intellectual growth for preservice teachers. Utilizing the theories developed by Dr. James Comer and integrating them with state of the art technological applications, this paper describes one model of preservice education that has been…

Multimedia computer learning activities, when designed according to what is known about children's preferences, may help close the gender gap in attitudes about computer usage in schools. This paper includes: a brief overview of gender-gap research; a description of one response--the UCI (University of California Irvine) Computer Arts program,…

This paper describes the design and implementation of an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) task-based module consistent with Skehan's information processing model of second language acquisition (1998) and with the framework for task design elaborated by Willis (1996), using the Internet as a primary source of language input. In settings where…

School professionals are often dissatisfied with the current model of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) elementary education. The typical 30-45 minute pull-out session often frustrates ESL teachers because of the amount of time is inadequate. This causes frustration among the mainstream teachers because of the class time the ESL learners miss.…

This proceedings of the 2000 Topics on Distance Learning conference contains summaries of the following presentations: "The ABC's of Distance Learning via Full Motion Video" (Liz Owens); "Assessing the Cost of Technology in Instruction Using an Economic Model" (Joseph Lovrinic); "Collaboration Lessons Learned from the…

This report focuses on the nature, use, and challenges of educational technology. The following articles are included: "Technology and Change for the Information Age" (James B. Ellsworth); "Education in a Digital Democracy: Leading the Charge for Learning about, with, and beyond Technology" (Mark David Milliron and Cindy L.…

In this exploratory study, 135 pre-service teachers developed an instructional plan for a case study within the MIMIC (Multiple Intelligent Mentors Instructing Collaboratively) computer-based environment. Three-dimensional, animated pedagogical computer agents, representing constructivist and instructivist approaches to instructional planning,…

In 1999, the University of West Florida launched an online Instructional Technology master's program. Students enrolled in this online program can be divided into two groups: (1) "local" students who, for various reasons, prefer the online courses, and (2) students at a geographical distance. The purpose of this study was to identify…

Combining assessment and research components on a large development and research project is a complex task. There are many descriptions of how either assessment or research should be conducted, but detailed examples illustrating integration of such strategies in complex projects are scarce. This paper provides definitions of assessment,…

Research shows that learning in groups improves students' achievement of learning objectives. Some indicate that a facilitator will smooth the process of collaboration (Johnson et al, 1987; Hooper, 1992; Moore and Kearsley, 1996; Brandon & Hollingshead, 1999; Bernard et al, 2000). Advocates for peer-controlled collaboration claim that learners…

The paper reports action research on Web-based courses conducted from 1999 to 2001. The expression "hybrid courses" is used in this paper to refer to the courses in which an instructor and students meet half or less than half of the regular scheduled meeting time, and such courses are the courses involved in this research. Participants of the…

This paper describes a constructivist and collaborative approach to transforming a traditional face-to-face on-campus course into an entirely Web-based course. The major objectives of this computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) course are for students to experience, learn and design online collaborative learning. This paper is based on…

This paper presents the results of a pilot study conducted to examine Web-based instructional content for mathematics. Two research questions were posed during the study: (1) how is technology being used to represent mathematical concepts online? and (2) how do the representations work together as a system? A mixed method content analysis design…

During the year 2000, 1,737 students were randomly selected to represent 231,000 students participating in 1,350 JROTC programs in three regions of the United States. The intention of this study was to identify whether a dominant learning style preference would be revealed for this student population as compared to the learning style of the…

The University of Wollongong (Australia) opened a new campus and two new access canters on the south coast of New South Wales in 2000. The combination of distance with limited funding, after seed funding was expended, provided opportunities to rethink teaching and learning strategies. Competition from traditional distance education providers in…