This paper describes the development of an adaptive multimedia learning environment that utilizes multimedia presentation techniques in its interface while still providing Internet connectivity for management and delivery purposes. The system supports the WWW as its addressing space but uses the local client areas to store media items expensive in…

Shadow netWorkspace[TM](SNS) is designed and developed as a free, open source, network-based work environment specifically for use in K-12 schools to support schools and learning. This paper describes a learning module utilizing features of SNS and articulates how teacher and students can collaboratively learn and work to build knowledge. The…

This paper discusses issues that are central to accessible online education. A recent research project investigated the accessibility of online courses for students with disabilities by evaluating existing courses, developed by academics at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The evaluation revealed evidence that some aspects of the courses…

TALENT (Teaching And Leading for Educational Needs with Technology) is a Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) Implementation grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Besides faculty and K-12 teacher training through focused workshop sand week long institutes, TALENT has taken an innovative approach in creating "triads"…

The authors present two case studies in the use of computers in the classroom, one involving an introductory computer science class, the other an upper division literature class. After describing each case, the differences are discussed, showing that pedagogical models developed for one discipline may not transfer to another, and that the…

This case study identifies the feasible approaches to integrate laptops into a science learning environment in middle school. The observation of learning activities and teaching strategies took place in the 8th grade science classroom with seventeen students for five class periods and data from the teacher's opinion gathered by interview. The…

The aim of the DEDICATE (Distance Education Information Courses with Access through Networks) project, funded through the European Union, is to develop distance education courses in training for information literacy. The DEDICATE courses are based on the use of the Internet and World Wide Web; communication between participants and tutors and…

This paper describes components of graduate and post-graduate level courses in information literacy, technology, and retrieval at the "Vrije Universiteit Brussel" and the "Universitaire Instelling Antwerpen," which is part of the University of Antwerp in Belgium. These include: (1) a brief overview of the contents of each…

This report presents an analysis of the status of teaching and learning about Asia in U.S. K-12 schools. Chapter one, "The United States and Asia: Opportunities and Challenges," addresses Asia's global profile, Asia as a market, as a partner, as a competitor, and as the invisible unknown, Asia in America, and the need for an Asia-related…

This study explored the relationship between assignment-based teaching methods and achievement in an introductory programming course. Subjects in the study were 42 community college students in south Mississippi. All participants completed the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal and the Productive Environment Preferences Survey. These…

This paper discusses motivation of adult learners. The first section discusses the adult learner, including the concepts of andragogy and pedagogy, as well as student-centered learning. The second section summarizes changing student demographics and predictions. The third section presents principles of adult learning. The fourth section covers…

Computer mediated communication tools enable today's distance learners to engage in collaborative problem solving, threaded discussions, and peer tutoring through asynchronous distance learning environments. This paper suggests that these are best accomplished by establishing virtual learning communities, which break down traditional…

With the rapid development of computer technology in recent years, distance education, and especially computer-mediated communication (CMC), has expanded very quickly. The application of computer technology in education presents many unanswered questions, including issues related to impression formation and impression management in…

This book offers teachers guidelines and suggestions for adapting and/or selecting materials for use with students with disabilities in general language arts, social studies, and science classrooms (grades 6 through 8). Following an introduction, chapter 1 offers a nine-step procedure for adapting materials from first, creating a plan for adapting…

As attention becomes increasingly focused on distance education in the public eye and within the academic community, a sense of urgency to develop online course offerings is taking hold among institutions that wish to be responsive to student needs (real or perceived) and that do not want to be "left behind" as peer institutions tool up for…