This case study describes the Internet correspondence using MOO, a multiuser, object-oriented site, that was developed between six third-grade girls and TCC, an adult with blindness. The changes from the students' original attitudes toward blindness, that blindness posed a barrier to communication and relationship-building, into their acceptance…

In an effort to improve instruction related to psychometrics and psychological testing for beginning psychology majors, an approach was developed at Pennsylvania's Ursinus College that incorporates active, participatory learning and problem solving. The approach is used in a course on research methods and makes use of a networked computer system…

This article addresses issues related to one particular type of electronic messaging, namely e-mail. E-mail appears to serve two primary purposes in the world and society. First, it is used as a form of communication that allows individuals, no matter where they are located, to communicate with each other on a regular basis at a low cost. Second,…

The electronic classroom proved particularly effective in dealing with racism, sexism, and homophobia in an honors English class, in part because it facilitates teaching by modeling rather than by dominating. Synchronous software facilitates diversity better than the usual collaborative learning group whose goal of tailoring discussions to reach a…

Information services offered by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) include "Chieffile," an electronic mail system, and "CHIEFLINE," a semiweekly news bulletin board. Chieffile provides information on federal legislation which is updated weekly, technology-related activities, a clearinghouse for information on…

This paper considers the possible creation of communications networks for school superintendents, and discusses EdLink, a pilot joint venture among Apple and GEISCO (General Electric Information Services Corporation), the joint developers of AppleLink, and the office of the New Hampshire Governor's Excellence Initiative. Arguing that EdLink…

Considerable efforts have been made to get students to use information technology for educational purposes. This study uses data from the 2003 administration of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) to investigate the relationships between student uses of information technology and other forms of student engagement. The results suggest…

This paper explains the similarities and differences between electronic mail and computer conferencing, and identifies the features one should look for in a modern conferencing system. It also clarifies some related terminology. Advantages of computer conferencing are first outlined, including: time- and space- independence; text-based medium;…

A study was conducted to compare electronic and traditional versions of a graduate-level research class. There were 73 participants in the electronic classes and 35 in the traditional classes, with a majority membership of white females enrolled in graduate education programs. Multiple choice pretests and posttests were administered to all groups.…

This study examined the e-mail interactions of teachers who were graduate students in an educational leadership program at a commuter university. Participants attended a 3-hour-per-week course. The instructor inserted into the course syllabus an assessment plan that required computer use, making the students responsible for accessing the…

This study focused on response rates to online student ratings of faculty at Brigham Young University, Utah, where concerns about response rates have contributed to a long period for testing and implementation of the online system (more than 5 years). The first pilot study, in 1997, included 36 courses and yielded a response rate of about 40%. The…

This study compared the benefits and costs associated with online versus paper-and-pencil surveys for a random sample of undergraduate students. Students completed the College Selection Survey, which had them evaluate the soundness of 10 reasons for choosing, or not choosing, to attend the university, if they could make their choice over again.…

The purpose of this study was to explore issues arising from the proliferation in use of electronic survey methods in higher education. Specifically, it examined whether response rates differed between surveys administered utilizing traditional, mailed, paper-and-pencil instruments and surveys administered utilizing electronic mail (e-mail) and…

Four conference presenters involved in consumer online services present information on new products both under development and in the process of implementation, commenting on technological, content, distribution, and consumer service issues. Products and companies discussed are eWorld (Apple Computer Europe); Olivetti Telemedia; CompuServe; and…

Describes a pilot project using electronic mail and conferencing in college courses including blind and deaf students. The effectiveness of group interaction is compared to the standard classroom. The use of communication technologies in the design of educational systems to simultaneously transcend physical distance and physical disabilities is…