Describes four forms of expression that are reshaping traditional distance education into a new instructional model: (1) "knowledge webs," which enable distributed access to information; (2) virtual communities as a complement to face-to-face interactions; (3) synthetic environments, which focus on learning-by-doing; and (4) sensory…

One way to give students a firsthand feel for other cultures is to turn them into sleuths who investigate authentic artifacts from various cultures. This article explains how one teacher borrows artifacts from a local museum, then creates a mystery to solve that provides hands-on learning. Suggests ideas to use instead of artifacts. (SM)

Survey responses from Arizona extension agents identified competencies needed for working with at-risk persons. In an experiential staff development process, agents conducted community assessments of issues, needs, and resources concerning children, youth, and families at risk and developed integrated programming for them. (SK)

Presents assumptions and components of an experiential learning model to demonstrate the transformation of traditional educational leadership program delivery models. Two examples of experientially-based course projects are presented to illustrate teaching and learning as a transactional process of creating personal knowledge. (SLD)

Type of adventure program (recreational, educational, developmental, or therapeutic) is determined by its purpose for change, not its client population. Facilitation techniques used in different types of adventure programs include letting the experience speak for itself, interpreting the experience, debriefing clients on the experience, direct…

Considers the extent to which educational computer programs can affect educational results and what their usefulness is in the process of learning physics. Presents experimental research concerning the dependence of the level of students' cognitive activity in learning physics with computer programs, particularly learning by doing in the…

In November 2000, a conference in London hosted by three outdoor education associations examined the growing culture of risk aversion in the United Kingdom, the role of risk in learning, the increasing difficulty of finding a balance between risk and adventure, and the challenges of tempting children away from computer games and dealing with…

Considers today's students the "postguilt generation." Proposes that teachers reconsider the way that students are exposed to issues of race, gender, class, and sexuality, creating class activities that allow students to experience the boundaries and definitions of identity. Presents three models of classroom activities. (CMK)

Discusses the four learning styles (concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation) and the importance of matching teaching and learning styles. Outlines activities for a humanities course that coordinates appropriate teaching and learning styles. Provides appendices. (CMK)

Highlights David Kolb's experiential learning model and examines learning preferences within the context of the model. Discusses implications and provides illustrations for each of the model's four stages: (1) concrete experience; (2) reflective observation; (3) abstract conceptualization; and (4) active experimentation. Provides six sample…

Addresses how examining music and art together highlights distinctive and interrelated elements of each. Explains that music and art activities help students work toward curricular goals; for example, Standards 8 and 4 of the National Standards for Music Education. Provides two activities designed to help elementary and middle-level children…

Discusses the importance of designing settings for children that encourage hands-on creativity through play. Suggests the designs are art forms requiring a participatory art teaching style. Describes the technique and provides proven design ideas. (CMK)

Explores an ancient world view rediscovered through modern science: the world is essentially cooperative and systems-seeking; relationships are a requirement for existence; life is a great experimenter; the processes of life are redundant and messy but ultimately self-organizing; and life supports uniqueness and is unpredictable. Relates these…

Describes the rationale and implementation of the Eastman Kodak Company's "Fundamentals for Kodak Renewal" employee program. Using adventure activities, employees move through awareness, agreement, and alignment stages to integrate the company's basic values of respect for the dignity of the individual, uncompromising integrity, trust,…

Describes a simulation exercise called "The Summit of the Americas" that enables students to apply economic concepts. Discusses the four segments of the simulation: (1) pre-negotiation phase; (2) negotiation phase; (3) the debriefing phase; and (4) an economic impact report. Addresses the issues involved when incorporating the simulation into a…