The National Agricultural Text Digitizing Project (NATDP) began in 1986 with cooperation between the National Agricultural Library and the University of Vermont, and then expanded to include 45 land-grant university libraries and 1 special library. The first activity was to evaluate the new technology of optical scanning. The project was designed…

While a college degree is an important economic and social resource for graduating-age students, more and more students are entering colleges and universities without the basic skills necessary to achieve academic success, and a growing number are low-literate or limited English speaking. Community colleges have an important role in ensuring…

This study examined interaction and communication patterns among students (n=9) and with the instructor in a graduate course offered at a distance using the FirstClass computer conferencing (CC) software. Specifically, the following questions were addressed: (1) What are similarities and differences in interaction and collaboration between CC and…

Problems in students completing homework may be related to lack of parental involvement and support, student attitudes and priorities, and the assigning of inappropriate and irrelevant homework. This action research project implemented and examined the effectiveness of increased communication with parents regarding homework, cooperative learning…

This paper begins with background on the National University of Mexico (UNAM) and its networks. Other distance education projects in Mexico are described, including projects of the Instituto Politecnico Nacional (IPN), the National Distance Education Program operated by the Secretary of Education, and the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios…

Classroom techniques for teaching vocational English as a Second Language to hotel housekeepers are offered. The materials consist of a list of specific performance outcomes (use of content language to make verb/object combinations of hotel housekeeping tasks, use of functional language to create communication strategies for negotiation and…

This paper presents a methodology of courseware development that aims to build a global system of training on the Internet. Although the researchers' practice is based on a mix of constructivist and cooperative learning theory, it is noted that courseware would have to support other theories and practices in order to be transferable. Three spaces…

This paper outlines hurdles to using the World Wide Web for learning, specifically in a collaborative knowledge-construction environment. Theoretical solutions based directly on existing Web environments, as well as on research and system prototypes in the areas of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) and ITS authoring systems, are suggested. Topics…

One of the potential negative effects of online courses is a loss of social relationships and a loss of the sense of community that is usually present on a traditional campus. This paper presents evidence that collaborative learning strategies, which require relatively small classes or groups actively mentored by an instructor, are necessary in…

Five Illinois universities, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), and the Illinois Area IV Learning Technology Hub are collaborating in the Preparing Educators for the 21st Century Program" (PIE-21). This state-funded program focuses on providing preservice teachers, administrators, and teacher education faculty with…

The discussion of technology in the classroom, particularly for second language instruction, looks at: current practices in technology-enhanced schoolrooms or learning centers; benefits and liabilities of technology-mediated language learning; and the as yet unrealized promise of computer-assisted language learning for the student and the teacher.…

This paper reports on the first phase of a research project undertaken by a team at the University of South Australia and Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) to design and deliver educational applications of digital learning media and to identify criteria for assessment of the efficacy and quality of the use of such media from a…

This paper discusses the use of WebQuest, a World Wide Web-based multi-user game, in promoting learning motivation and navigation skills in K-9 students. WebQuest demonstrates ways to integrate games, Internet communication facilities, Web-based courseware, and database techniques together in order to assist learning. The following guidelines for…

In fall 1991, Fullerton College (California) undertook a project to promote excellence in teaching in evening classes by providing part-time and evening faculty with development activities focusing on teaching methods for adult learners. Thirteen part-time and evening faculty representing different disciplines were selected to participate. During…

This paper summarizes an ethnographic study of three kindergarten and three first grade bilingual classrooms which investigated the impact on the school community of two conditions: (1) when teachers and staff were trained in cooperative methods for teaching and learning a second language; and (2) when the school initiated and implemented a parent…