"E-Learning and Virtual Science Centers" addresses an aspect of Web-based education that has not attracted sufficient attention in the international research literature--that of virtual science centers, the cyberspace annex of traditional science centers. It is the first book to be published on the rapidly advancing field of science education.…

This book, which is a volume in The Jossey-Bass Online Teaching and Learning series, addresses the key issue of library services for faculty and their students in the online learning environment. Written by librarians at Athabasca University, a leading institution in distance education, this book shows how faculty can effectively use digital…

Human resource development (HRD) specialists are searching for instructional design models that accommodate e-learning platforms. Van Merrienboer proposed the four-component instructional design model (4C/ID model) for competency-based education. The model's basic message is that well-designed learning environments can always be described in terms…

The term "online learning" refers to an Internet- or intranet-based teaching and learning system designed for World Wide Web-based delivery without face-to-face contact between teacher and learner. The Internet is the backbone of online learning. The following media are available to designers of online courses: text; graphics and images;…

The new e-learning technologies offer the rich promise and potential of learning delivery at any time, anywhere, on any topic. Without careful management of the learning process, application of best principles and practices in e-learning design strategies, effective attention to staff development, provision of extensive learner support services,…

The benefits and barriers of online delivery of education and online learning in regional Australia were examined. Data on recent and current enrollments in online courses/modules were gathered from eight providers across four states. Nine courses were selected for more detailed analysis. Interviews were conducted with teachers, students, and…

Perspectives on online learning on location in regional Australia were examined through structured interviews with 46 learners, 23 teachers, 6 managers of flexible delivery activities, 4 organization chief executive officers, and focus groups with 20 online learners. The manager interviews established that although mangers viewed online delivery…

Describes a study which investigated the impact of implementation strategies on learner behavior and engagement in a university classroom-based World Wide Web learning activity. In particular it examined the influence of a collaborative activity on learner behavior and the role played by a printed guide designed to focus and direct learners'…

Research regarding student cohorts entering the Georgia WebMBA[R] program (an online MBA program in the University System of Georgia) shows consistent demographic characteristics as well as students' reasons for joining the program, experience with online learning, and perceptions of teamwork. The program has a high retention rate, and in this…

Instruction gains value when measurement shows that objectives have been achieved and learning has occurred. Making the measurement an integral part of class activity allows the identification of problems and consequent improvements even while the course is ongoing. Learner-centered active assessment both provides direct objective measurement of…

Selecting and using effective instructional strategies is a challenge facing those involved with preservice teacher education. Two instructional strategies with emerging empirical support include WebQuests and Case Method Instruction; however, both have limitations. This study examined the effects of using a CaseQuest--a hybrid of WebQuests and…

This article presents a summary of a study that was undertaken to increase the level of understanding of some of the issues associated with distance learning in higher education. The authors sought to do this by gathering and comparing direct feedback from both on-campus and off-campus students regarding discussion, attendance, and student…

To explore the effects of web-based instruction (WBI) on math anxiety, the sense of mastery, and global self-esteem, we use quasi-experimental data from undergraduate statistics students in classes assigned to three study conditions, each with varied access to, and incentive for, the use of online technologies. Results suggest that when statistics…

Demographic and personality variables and computer use were used to predict computer self-confidence with a sample of students enrolled in online college-credit classes. Computer self-confidence was measured with one 10-choice question. Demographic variables included age, annual income, geographic region, gender, and ethnicity. Computer use was…

This study was undertaken to better understand the nature of preservice teachers' reflective thinking during case discussions about classroom management in two online formats: synchronous versus asynchronous. Findings indicated that when participants engaged in synchronous online case discussions they had higher levels of critical reflection than…