Our essential premise in this article is that immersive learning is not new and that, as a practical matter, it is useful to view the relatively new virtual world platforms through that lens. By doing so, the premise continues, developers of learning experiences for these spaces will have a large theoretical base upon which to draw, as well as…

The knowledge distributed Web-based learning community (KnowDisLC) based on knowledge sharing for college students has been constructed, implemented and evaluated. The system helps students form a virtual learning community through Web-based learning, which they can use to facilitate learning and growth. Ultimately they would like to accomplish…

Virtual schools make available a world of new courses from obscure electives to advanced placement classes that challenge students intellectually and open up new doors educationally. Thanks to the anytime, anywhere nature of online courses, students with a range of special circumstances (from health issues to job or family constraints) don?t have…

Discusses three potential problems in the application of virtual history: (1) extrapolation; (2) critical analysis; and (3) the danger of using it as wishful thinking. Offers comparative history as a possible alternative way to overcome virtual history outcomes. (KDR)

Discusses concepts of mediation and focuses on the importance of implementing comprehensive virtual learning environments. Topics include education and technology as they relate to cultural change, social institutions, the Internet and computer-mediated communication, software design and human-computer interaction, the use of MOOs, and language.…

Discusses the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve education. Highlights include virtual discussions; the need for data about students to help them learn effectively; listening to students; current uses of ICT in teaching; feedback from students; and a proposed model for virtual classrooms. (LRW)

Noting that the least responsive fields of higher education to virtual provision seem to be the humanities, asserts that as humanists come to see that education has been overly teacher-oriented, they may become increasingly receptive to virtual teaching and learning. (EV)

Describes how the British government views the electronic campus as a quick fix for delivering the ideas of a learning society and mass higher (and further) education. Argues that in the humanities interventions are needed to secure a meld between face-to-face teaching methods and the new technology. (CMK)

Assesses the factors that universities need to consider when developing a strategic response to "borderless education," discusses certain instruments which may be used in strategic analysis, and considers some options in the areas of organizational structures, support infrastructure, personnel policy, and quality assurance. (EV)

Discusses current demands on teaching staff in United Kingdom higher education and the impact these demands have when teaching through electronic resources. Topics include collaborative small-group learning; transferable skills; nontraditional students; the role of the tutor; social theories of education; and a case study of virtual seminars for…

Discusses how teachers in higher education are taking a new look at teaching and course management as new teaching roles are learned in the virtual classroom for online learning environments, particularly as facilitators and mentors of learning communities. Considers principles for good practice and needed competencies for online teachers.…

In this paper, Larkin and Gould's (1999) activity theory methodology for defining work-related roles and Burns' (1963) analysis of organismic organizational form are merged into a model that describes associate and leadership roles and relationships in virtual organizations. The effects of a lack of shared physical space and face-to-face social…

This article presents Virtual Radiopharmacy Laboratory (VR LAB), a virtual laboratory accessible through the Internet. VR LAB is designed and implemented in the framework of the VirRAD European project. This laboratory represents a 3D simulation of a radio-pharmacy laboratory, where learners, represented by 3D avatars, can experiment on…

Learning communities gained attention in 1984 after the publication of the "Involvement in Learning" report, which was sponsored by the U.S. Education Department. The authors of the report stated that active engagement in learning processes enhances learning and leads to two fundamental principles: (1) The amount of student learning and personal…

This article assesses the pedagogic value of the "chat" facility in the Blackboard integrated learning platform. It draws on a case study carried out by the author in the 2001-2 academic session. A level three class in research methods involved students in group working away from class and student feedback indicated that more support was needed to…