The use of the Internet as an instructional tool in higher education is rapidly increasing. However, alongside the enthusiasm and creativity that generally accompany this process, essential questions regarding the learning quality and effectiveness of online courses emerge too. In order to answer these questions, a comprehensive research program…

Online learning is coming of age in both postsecondary education and industry. The courses now offered online range from kinesiology to mathematics to complete M.B.A. programs. The growing popularity of online education has created a need to reduce costs without diminishing the value of the edification. In response to this need, an instructional…

An instructional application consists of a set of resources and activities that implement interacting, interrelated and structured experiences oriented towards achieving specific educational objectives. Computer-based instructional applications have to be looked at as any other development activity following a well defined process. With this…

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…

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…

The Fall 1998 Student/Auxiliary Services User Evaluation for Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Kansas was expanded to include information about service learning, vending services, services not included in the biennial evaluation, and answers to questions of topical interest submitted by managers of ten student/auxiliary services. A total…

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…

Once a school district decides to offer students virtual classes, it has to recognize the costs associated with the implementation, the logistical needs, the staff that will be needed to assist students, and the maintenance of the technology. Adapting the philosophy of virtual education is only the beginning. The role of the traditional teacher…

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…

Educators involved in the delivery of distance education would do well to heed the following rules regarding the use of learning technologies: know yourself and how you create and manage a personal presence; aim for a mix of learning technologies and strive for integration without duplication; realize that each learning technology has its own…

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…

This paper reports on a study of issues teacher educators face as they attempt to integrate technology into their instructional program: (1) the support they receive for use of technology, (2) their expectations of students to use technology, (3) their personal use of technology, (4) their knowledge of national, state, and local technology…

Focuses on learner verification and revision (LVR), a systems approach to the evaluation of instructional materials in which materials are tested with students. Using this method to adapt internationally available materials to local needs is discussed. A flow chart of the LVR adaptation process and 31 references are included. (JJD)

Details steps involved (as found in the literature) in the systems approach to design and develop instruction in order to provide a rationale for the development of instructional modules in COBOL and RPG to teach accounting students how to audit computerized accounting systems. Outlines of two modules are appended. (EAO)

Interest in educational reform is a side benefit of recent school criticism. Unfortunately, where the cause of educational failure is understood to be teachers, educational reform has become teacher reform, which most often means that greater effort will be placed on controlling teacher behavior. (LC)