Presents a background to the main issues concerning Asian language learning at a distance at tertiary level and in industry in Australia. Also reports on the development of the course, "Communicate in Japanese: A Self-Study Course," at the Institute of Languages. Describes the benefits of distance education learning as a means of…

Structural communication applies principles of cognitive psychology to the design of self-instructional materials. While most early implementations took print form, advances in computer and interactive video technologies offer increased opportunities, especially in distance education. Summarizes studies on structural communication in writing…

Examines a hypermedia system built as the outcome of a proposal funded by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. The system allows students choice in content studied and also allows students to choose their own learning strategy. The system has attributes and features that are important in relation to curriculum issues and educational…

Describes software that is effective in helping high school students learn mathematics. Discusses how to focus lessons, including graphics, for whole-group instruction; and have student practice skills with partners and explore ideas individually or with partners. (LRW)

Notes that to be considered literate in the age of information demands functional, academic, critical, and technological skills. Contends that technology must become an integral part of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Describes how to use the Internet as part of a sustained content-based pedagogy to develop ESL students' literacy…

Describes the problems and successes encountered in the use of an interactive video system for library instruction. Successes include reductions in staff time and favorable student reactions. Problems were related to the use of videotape recordings, the use of floppy disks, overloading at the end of the quarter, and the need for frequent updates.…

The Schools Year 12 and Tertiary Entrance Certificate (STC) course, an alternative to the traditional pathway chosen by Australian secondary school students wishing to proceed to higher education, is described. Results of a survey comparing students taking the traditional pathway and students taking the STC course are discussed. (MLW)

Reports on three studies of the learning strategies of adult students of second languages. The research identified two distinct approaches to vocabulary learning that differed in aspects relating to independent study, self-initiated learning activities, recording of lexical items studied, review of these records, and practice of vocabulary outside…

Examines results from a comparative study of the strategies of distance and classroom foreign language learners (French, German, Japanese, and Chinese) enrolled in a dual-mode institution. Data on strategy use was collected through a questionnaire and the yoked subject technique. Results indicate that mode of study is the predominant influence on…

A model higher education in-service project in Louisiana, called Success and Certification for Special Education Starters, has been implemented to support and assist first-year special education teachers and noncertified special education teachers. The project is based on a faculty consultation and supervision model where students earn university…

The challenge of bringing information literacy to university students is greater than at small colleges. A survey of librarians at large universities revealed unique problems and instructional solutions. The Brigham Young University (Utah) program, in which information literacy is integrated into every academic division, offers one example. (MSE)

Describes a study conducted at the University of Ulster (Northern Ireland) that investigated the use of videoconferencing in postgraduate continuing education courses for teachers, both for on-campus and off-campus course delivery. Face-to-face contact with tutors, group cohesiveness and independent learning, and tutor support are discussed.…

Provides an overview of inservice teacher training programs in Japan, which have few links to formal distance education programs. Teachers' growing use of computer communications networks is reviewed as a self-teaching method, and future directions are suggested. (Contains nine references.) (EAM)

Unit accreditation is presented as a form of assessment that motivates students and gives insight into the learning process. Units of accreditation are programs of work written as discrete modules that students complete for curriculum credit. Two case studies illustrate the development of unit accreditation. (SLD)

Programs designed to enable Australian aborigines who had not successfully completed high school to qualify for science- and mathematics-related courses in higher education emphasize diagnostic testing, individualized instruction, short-term goals, and learner independence. Tutors have instructional, management, and support roles. Some early…