In an instructional environment, online communication tools such as e-mail, listservs, chat rooms, and instant messaging cultivate personal bonds with and among students and promote extended dialogue about important topics. In comparison to these communication tools, however, instructional blogging offers additional opportunities to engage…

This paper reports on a comparison of two research approaches of the study of the reflective practice in two different modes of tele-guidance of the school practicum. The results of two studies were contrasted encouraging the dialogue between researchers coming from different research paradigms. Although the researchers in the two studies shared…

This report summarizes 2 years of activity within the Edutex network. Launched in 1990, the Edutex initiative aimed to explore the educational possibilities and limitations of a telematic network for schools. Teachers and pupils in 20 primary and secondary classrooms in the French, Italian, and German speaking parts of Switzerland and in France…

Computer-mediated communication (CmC) refers to interactive computer messages (E-messages), electronic mail (E-mail); forums, and computer conferencing. The use of CmC in business and classroom environments is described in light of (1) the organization of conversation; (2) surface discourse features; (3) choice of medium; and (4) the acquisition…

This collection of papers is divided into three parts. After "Introduction," (Judith A. Muyskens), Part 1, "Issues in Teaching with Technology: Implications for the Future Training of Teaching Assistants," includes "Exploring the Link between Teaching and Technology: An Approach to TA Development" (Virginia M. Scott) and "A Revolution from Above:…

This paper describes how multiple sources of information were used by two educators to develop new understandings about their roles as teachers of information technology research to a multinational class. The information was gathered from students who provided feedback via an asynchronous Web-based chat space, e-mail, written assignments, and…

This study examined the effectiveness of an alternative certification program for secondary teachers that emphasized the need for certified teachers in rural districts. The program utilized distance learning and integrated technology. Thirty uncertified secondary teachers who taught the previous year in Louisiana public schools completed 27 hours…

Alaska has been forced by geography and weather to look at numerous innovative solutions to improving communication between families and schools. The Internet is showing more impact than any other technique that has been tried. This has been especially helpful to parents of children with disabilities, due to a severe shortage of special education…

This article, the second in a two-part series on aspects of distance education, presents pedagogical considerations concerning Type I Technology, technology (such as e-mail, Listservs, newsgroups, and MOOs) used primarily to supplement other learning resources. Examines the design, development, delivery, and evaluation phases of courses using Type…

Discusses a project at Bank Street College called "Earth Lab: A Network for Young Scientists." Explores how the use of a local area network might alter the academic environment in which students work. Reviews student databases, teacher-made databases, online databases, and electronic mail. (MVL)

Maintains that the use of electronic mail to link students from other states and nations is an effective way to heighten student interest and improve instruction. Describes electronic pen pal programs linking students in New Zealand, England, and Kansas. (CFR)

Presents examples of how computer-mediated communication (CMC) affects language learning, describing a successful CMC project involving a Minnesota middle school and a school in France. Students exchanged electronic mail over two years and eventually produced a student-written, bilingual, multicultural play. Though students differed in age and…

Profiles the Indiana Exchange Project, an endeavor that uses technology to link fourth-grade teachers and students from three geographically and ethnically diverse communities. The students exchange letters, photographs, response journals, local newspapers, and videotapes of classroom and community activities. Includes an example of a summary…

Describes the Teaching and Learning Collaborative (TLC) in Technology, which prepared preservice teachers to incorporate technology into lesson plans and supported inservice teachers' professional development with technology, offering a professional-development course, seminar sessions, and e-mail communication. Evaluation indicated that…

Describes the development of a wide area network (WAN) in the Bismarck Public School District (North Dakota). Topics include design goals, network infrastructure, implementing library access, sharing resources across platforms, electronic mail, dial-in access, Internet access, adhering to software licenses, shareware and freeware, and monitoring…