Volume 3, Issue 2 - November 1999

Intelligent Agents for Online Learning

Choonhapong Thaiupathump,Ph.D., Instructor, Computer Science Department, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University
John Bourne, Ph.D., Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
J. Olin Campbell, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Brigham Young University
The ALN Center, Vanderbilt University

This research investigated the effects of applying intelligent agent techniques to an online learning environment. The knowbots (or Knowledge Robots) created for the research were intelligent software agents that automated the repetitive tasks of human facilitators in a series of online workshops. The study specifically captured experimental results of using...

Copyright Dot Com: The Digital Millennium in Copyright

Dr. Robert N. Diotalevi, Esq., LL.M., Director of Legal Studies, The College of West Virginia

With advanced technology come new legal issues. The age of information has given rise to greater concerns about copyright legalities. As new interpretations emerge from Congress as well as the courts, these thorny matters will be at the forefront. Copyright law ultimately affects anyone interested in higher education. Today the Internet,...

Keeping Online Asynchronous Discussion on Topic

Bart P. Beaudin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Adult Education, Colorado State University

The purpose of this research was to identify various techniques recommended and used by online instructors for keeping online learners on topic during asynchronous discussion and to identify what factors affected selection. A thirty-seven item online questionnaire was developed and completed by 135 online instructors subscribing to an international...

Using ALNs to Support a Complete Educational Experience

Melody M. Thompson, D.Ed., Assistant Director, Penn State World Campus
Jean W. McGrath, M.Ed., Director of Student Services, Penn State World Campus

The most obvious factor influencing students’ satisfaction with distance learning is convenience of access. While ALNs clearly can provide convenient access to educational content, how do they measure up in terms of access to the broader range of elements that make up a "complete" educational experience? Within traditional education, a complete...

Design of Net-learning System Based on Experiential Learning

Juan R. Pimentel, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kettering University

The theory of experiential learning is briefly reviewed and a model of the learning process is presented. The paper then discusses and characterizes a virtual learning environment and its relationship to experiential learning and learning styles. An approach for designing virtual learning environments is presented taking into account the technology...

Successful Online Teaching Using An Asynchronous Learner Discussion Forum

Mark H. Rossman, Ed.D., Capella University

At Capella University online courses are offered using an asynchronous learner discussion forum. At the conclusion of each course, learners are requested to complete and electronically submit a course evaluation form. A document analysis of more than 3000 course evaluations from 154 courses conducted during the past 11 quarters was conducted....

The Effects of Internet-Based Instruction on Student Learning

Dr. Scott B. Wegner, Associate Professor, Southwest Missouri State University
Dr. Ken C. Holloway, Assistant Professor, Southwest Missouri State University
Edwin M. Garton, Graduate Student, Southwest Missouri State University

The practice of using technology to deliver coursework in higher education has seen a veritable explosion. The use of technology has not only created new opportunities within the traditional classroom but has also served to expand learning experiences beyond the popular notion of "classroom." Indeed, "distance learning," especially utilization of...