High School Physics Instruction by Way of the World Wide Web: A Brazilian Case Study
Skip through the first few sections of this essay as they trot out the usual "benefits of web instruction" rhetoric. More interesting is the description of the program involving web-based instruction and local physics labs. Even more interesting is the discussion near the end of the paper about the problem of long term sustainability of projects with uncertain outcomes. More...
divine Library Services Financial Collapse Traps Library Subscription Budgets
divine Library Services Financial Collapse Traps Library Subscription Budgets
If you have an invoice from divine Library Services on your desk, don't pay it. According to this report the subscription service suffered a financial meltdown and has stopped processing orders. More...
Uses and Abuses of Data
Uses and Abuses of Data
This article looks at the abuses of data and in particular comments on the reliance on standardized test results. The main point is that the results from standardized tests should be interpreted as part of a larger picture and that detailed results - not the rank-ordering of schools published in the newspaper - should be used to suggest areas of improvement. More...
Using Database Software for "Do-it-yourself" Online Homework Assignments
Using Database Software for "Do-it-yourself" Online Homework Assignments
The thrust of this artile is to show that you don't need an expensive learning management system to do most functions involved in online learning. More...
Back to Basics - E-learning in 2003
Back to Basics - E-learning in 2003
This smart article captures many of the trends I have observed through 2002, offers some insight into the confusion surrounding e-learning, but leaves me disappointed when it discusses the trends to expect in 2003. The best bit is near the middle: "here are three completely different ways of looking at e-learning. More...
Les emplois de la Formation à distance
Les emplois de la Formation à distance
If you are in the field of distance learning and you work in French - or are looking for work in French - then this site may be of interest. More...
An Intermediate Guide to Formal Visual Design
An Intermediate Guide to Formal Visual Design
Good article surveying the essential elements of design. It is worth noting that many of the principles of paper-based design (such as balance, contrast and emphasis) pass over quite successfully to the online world. More...
TechLearn Will Close
TechLearn Will Close
According to Seb Schmoller (I can't find independent confirmation at JISC or on Google), "TechLearn will close. JISC announced, on 23/12/2002, that its TechLearn Centre, based at the University of York will cease operations in July 2003. The Centre acted as a source of information and advice to the JISC community on how best to take advantage of the new technologies for learning and teaching and how these technologies might impact on strategic and operational planning. More...
Emerging Behavior of Complex Collaborative Networks
Emerging Behavior of Complex Collaborative Networks
This is a difficult document to slog through, but worth the effort if you are interested in virtual communities or virtual organizations. The paper is a summary of discussions at a workshop designed to study the behaviour of complex collaborative networks. As such, it raises more problems than it solves. More...
Learning and Teaching Information Technology: Computer Skills in Context
Learning and Teaching Information Technology: Computer Skills in Context
Although today's students are raised on computer screens and internet access, the authors argue, they may not be prepared to use the interne. More...