Hands-on science typically uses physical materials to give students first-hand experience in scientific methodologies, but the recent availability of virtual laboratories raises an important question about whether what students' hands are on matters to their learning. The overall findings of two articles that employed simple comparisons of…

This article explores the development and evaluation of the graduate-level Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) programme in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2001 through to 2004. It outlines the history of the ECDVU and the establishing of a Sub-Saharan programme for future leaders in the early childhood field guided by the key principle…

This article examines the online discourse that took place in representative threads from two classes, seeking to document indicators that students did or did not engage in co-construction of knowledge. Stahl's (2006) social theory of computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is used along with discourse analysis methods to examine these…

The Technology Enhanced Elementary and Middle School Science II project (TEEMSS), funded by the National Science Foundation, produced 15 inquiry-based instructional science units for teaching in grades 3-8. Each unit uses computers and probeware to support students' investigations of real-world phenomena using probes (e.g., for temperature or…

Francis Bacon began defining scientific methodology in the early 17th century, and secondary school science classes began to implement science labs in the mid-19th century. By the early 20th century, leading educators were suggesting that science labs be used to develop scientific thinking habits in young students, and at the beginning of the 21st…

Since the Internet was introduced in the field of Educational Technology, it has predominantly been seen as an instructional tool. A number of educational technologists point out that the Internet can be a powerful instructional tool that encourages learners to be involved in problem-solving by using a great deal of information and to enlarge and…

As more university courses are offered online educators have much to learn regarding how to use this technology to facilitate effective learning. Some educators have mastered online teaching and are regarded by their students as highly effective. Researchers in this study consulted graduate students who had completed their degrees by online…

This project examined: states' organizational and financial models of virtual colleges and universities (VCUs); statewide goals for which VCUs were created; and policies, programs, and student participation in VCUs. Data came from a survey of all known statewide and systemwide VCUs and interviews with VCU leaders. Overall, VCUs are gravitating…

Courses delivered over the World Wide Web can help states meet the academic needs of all students. Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states are creating state virtual schools to support and manage the efficient, effect use of Web-based courses. Florida and Kentucky have invested significant funds, personnel, and time, and Maryland, Texas,…

Online learning has become a new paradigm in education, but very few research-based studies have addressed the multicultural aspects of online learning. Using interviews and observations, this study examines the perceptions of Asian students while taking synchronous online courses in the United States. The specific questions explored in this study…

Describes learning experiences of three students enrolled in a training company's Web-based course on network administration that included a variety of online technologies, including a live virtual classroom, coaches, chat, and bulletin boards, to try and develop an online learning community. Concludes that learners must be taught how to form…

Discusses the issues related to evaluation of distance education and virtual schooling. The evaluation design of a virtual high school project is presented, and goals, stakeholder analysis, evaluator role, data collection, and data analysis are described. The need for evaluation of distance education and the ethical responsibility of the…

Presents a collection of excerpts from a recent virtual class discussion students (primarily senior English majors planning to become English teachers) had on a course listserv regarding young adult literature. Contains annotations of 10 recommended works of YA literature. (SG)

Provides information, strategies, and activities designed specifically to aid instructors and students in developing collaborative group processes that promote teamwork in an online environment. Outlines an instructional module that was developed and formatively tested with graduate students, and describes a workshop designed for faculty members…

Suggests that business students need to be prepared to manage the communication of intercultural teams. Discusses strategies for success such as: developing a network of good relationships built on trust and understanding; showing respect for other cultures and languages; and understanding how diversity strengthens the team. (SG)