by James L. Morrison and Molly Broad // Vision
This month's Vision article brings us an interview with UNC President Molly Broad, former Executive Vice President of the University of California State University System and a major player in the development of the California Virtual University. Ms. Broad discusses the potential of using information technology tools in the classroom, barriers to its use, and the state of virtual learning today.
by James L. Spira // Commentary
James L. Spira discusses the inherent differences between progressive education and essentialist education as applied to distance learning in this month's Commentary. By applying progressive education philosophy to the use of technology in learning, instructors can develop a program that is more interactive, creative, and natural than those currently prevalent.
by Kristen S. Betts // Case Studies
In this month's Case Study, Kristen Betts relates a 1998 study at George Washington University that asks the question Why do Faculty Participate in Distance Education? At a time when distance learning is becoming increasingly important, it is vital to know which factors will motivate faculty to become involved, and what types of faculty are likely to want to be involved in distance learning.
by Erwin Boschmann // Faculty and Staff Development
In academia today, changes in the process of instruction have outpaced changes in the reward structure for instructors. In our Faculty and Staff Development section, Erwin Boschmann discusses the current dichotomy between the two, and what can be done to bring scholarly work and reward back into sync with each other.
Spotlight Site
The Site of the Month for October is The NODE, a Canadian site designed as a center for information, activities, and collaboration among universities in the use of technology in education. This site includes a cornucopia of useful information and links, as well as other resources such as online forums and search functions.
by Gary Brown // Letters to the Editor
The debate over technology and outcomes-based learning continues in this month's Letters to the Editor, as Gary Brown responds to Ed Neal's critique of the Flashlight project as a tool for evaluating the effects of information technology on learning.
by Stephen C. Ehrmann // Letters to the Editor
The debate over technology and outcomes-based learning continues in this month's Letters to the Editor, as Steve Ehrmann responds to Ed Neal's critique of the Flashlight project as a tool for evaluating the effects of information technology on learning.
