This phenomenological study investigated the meaning of the online teaching experience of college faculty when there was an absence of physical presence. Findings show that the online experience brings new dimensions to the teaching practice when there is an absence of physical presence: (a) The length and depth of engagement during the delivery…

It has often been suggested that education via the Internet, or e-learning, leads to a sense of separation in individual learners; this need not be the case. Teaching is a relationship: a relationship that is built on a connection between teaching and learner, between learner and learner, and between the learners and the content. What then is the…

This article explores whether WebCT, a virtual learning technology, meets organisational and customer goals at Coventry University Business School (CBS). Lecturer and student perceptions about the benefits of WebCT as a teaching and learning resource are examined as well as the goals of WebCT for the university as an organization. CBS students…

Like all learners, new online instructors need hands-on experience, feedback, and ongoing support to become comfortable and proficient in the virtual classroom. It is unrealistic to expect even the most self-motivated, creatively pedagogical, and technically inclined instructor to fly solo after just a few hours of training. With the authors'…

This paper shares some of the experiences in online coordination and teacher development which have emerged in the English Language Department at the "Universitat Oberta de Catalunya". The advantages and disadvantages of coordination in an asynchronous computer-mediated environment form the backdrop to those issues which we consider to…

Current approaches to language pedagogy recognize the fact that ESL learners need explicit help to improve the grammatical accuracy of their writing. This research investigates the utility of an online resource intended to improve advanced-level ESL learners' writing by increasing their grammatical awareness and ability to correct the grammatical…

Over the last several years there have been numerous calls for reforming high school to college transitions. In 2000-2001, the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF) and the National Commission on the High School Senior Year respectively called for a re-thinking of how students moved from secondary to postsecondary education. A widely-discussed…

Internet is the most important technological innovation of today, which can easily be integrated into every field of people's lives. The reason of its rapid improvement is its usefulness and easy access. Web, WWW, is a new technology which is used as a communication facilitator and it is an instructional delivery medium. It is vital to learn…

In professional development, attention to both collaboration and critical thinking in the various interactive socialization processes of teaching practices should be essential strategic elements in a formative environment. This study presents contributions from the teleinteractive dynamic established in a virtual environment for the critical…

Recent growth in national attention directed toward online courses and virtual schools underscores the importance of e-learning policy and online learning practices. In response to these needs, this edition of "Policy Issues" aims to: summarize the critical e-learning issues related to education policy; provide an overview of what works,…

This document discusses how in 1999, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges began 2 major projects to develop and improve online learning and courses. The first project (a U.S. Department of Education Demonstration for financial aid rule waivers) examines current rules intended for on-campus programs in the case of online…

Traces the evolution of virtual field trips and discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual field trip. Explores three approaches to improving the interactivity of virtual field trips (interactive field exercises, generic software, and student-centered Web sites). Includes references. (CMK)

Discusses the use of communication and information technology (C&IT) in higher education in the United Kingdom and describes research that examined student perceptions of using C&IT for a virtual seminar series in psychology. Identified student learning approaches within the group and how it affected their adoption or rejection of the…

Discusses the need to focus on student learning processes and strategies rather than only on technology in the classroom. Topics include classrooms, laboratories, and virtual laboratories; learning outside classrooms or laboratories; training professors; learning skills students need, including technology training; multimedia; team teaching;…

Focuses on the use of threaded discussion and its application within graduate courses in social studies and global education. States that threaded discussion, when used with face-to-face alternatives, can add to developing a culturally diverse learning community, deepen discussions on controversial issues, and increase educational equity. (CMK)