Describes a USENET news group on the Internet that allows parents of children in grades K-12 to electronically share and discuss child-rearing experiences and advice. The addresses and descriptions of mailing lists, World Wide Web sites, and news groups where parents can locate child-rearing information are given in a sidebar. (JMV)

Examines what distance education offers, and the difference between computer-mediated and traditional classroom instruction. Discussion includes investment in education; the reduced cost of travel; standard training and liberal education; prejudice in favor of traditional instruction; the uniqueness of the Internet; matching instruction with…

Discusses a view of learning based on an individualistic model, which emphasizes the information aspect of information and communications technology. This view presents an incomplete view of the nature of learning and the teacher's role. An alternative perspective based on social psychology, activity theory, and social practice is outlined,…

Information technologies, particularly the personal computer and the World Wide Web, are changing the ways that scientists communicate. This article offers a new paradigm for communication in science, and suggests how digital media might bring new roles and functionalities to participants. The argument is made that behavioral and organizational…

Five-hundred twenty-seven full bibliographic records containing URLs were downloaded from SCISEARCH as part of an exploration of the extent of Web publication of electronic research-related information (E-RRI) in the sciences and classified as to resource type, subject area, and degree of intellectual property protection. (Contains 28 references.)…

Describes the design of a prototype for the graphical user interface component of an electronic classroom (ECR) application that supports real-time lectures and question-and-answer sessions between an instructor and students. Based on requirements analysis and an analysis of competing products, a Web-based ECR prototype was produced. Findings show…

Discusses a typology that can be used to guide educators in selection of cyberspace tools to accomplish specific tasks. The typology consists of four main divisions of properties: number of people communicating; real-time communications; permanency of communications; and automatic delivery to audience. These four divisions result in 16 possible…

Examines factors that will influence how distance education is practiced in the first few decades of this new century. Discusses developments in digital technology; the exponential growth of knowledge about the brain, as well as physiology, chemistry, and psychology of learning; the system relationship between individual learners and instructors;…

Analyzes current research on successful distance education programs. Reviews the learning communication process; identifies responsibilities of the deliverer: conduct a learner needs assessment, know how to use the technology, address multiple learning styles, promote interaction, project a friendly image, be a team player, operate from a systems…

Presents a plan for learning in the future, based on a new approach for universally available learning, utilizing existing and developing communication technologies. The L-CS describes the interrelationships between the Learner, a Consultation Agency, a Resource Center and Communication Access Facilities, all of which are linked together on a…

Discusses issues involved in electronically delivered distance education courses in higher education relating to the role of faculty. Topics include preparation, presentation, and participation; content considerations; writing skills; student motivation; involving students in their learning by encouraging interaction and communication; and…

The Mountain Forum web site connects people living at high elevations with scholars and policymakers. The idea for the web site grew out of the United Nations' 1992 Earth Summit. Designed for access by people with unsophisticated equipment, the web site has well-indexed discussion lines, online conferences, and an online library. Increased…

Based on the multivariate framework of student attrition developed by leading researcher, this study centers on a method of assessing the ability of a student to complete a distance learning course. Focuses on construction and validation of a survey instrument to identify at-risk students enrolled in Web-based and videoconferencing courses.…

Describes a Web-based tool, WebGuide, being developed to mediate and structure collaborative learning. This software uses an innovative mechanism to define a flexible system of perspectives on a shared knowledge construction space. WebGuide provides an electronic and persistent workspace for individuals and teams to develop and share distinctive…

An academic librarian at the University of South Carolina, faced with providing online resources for distant and distributed learners, examines whether there is any difference between distant and distributed learners. Illustrates changes brought on by implementation of information technologies. Discusses seeking a new definition, meeting…