DEOSNEWS Vol. 5 No.12,ISSN 1062-9416.
Copyright 1995 DEOS.
   
Director of ACSDE and Editor of AJDE:  Dr. Michael G. Moore.
DEOSNEWS Editor:  Melody M. Thompson
   
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EDITORIAL
   
This issue of DEOSNEWS comprises abstracts of articles from
The American Journal of Distance Education.  AJDE, a
publication of the American Center for the Study of Distance
Education at The Pennsylvania State University, has been
published three times a year since 1987.  Its purpose is to
disseminate information and act as a forum for criticism and debate
about the research and practice of distance education in the
Americas.  The focus is on the role of print, electronic, and
telecommunications media and multimedia systems in the delivery
of educational programs in universities and colleges, business and
industry, the military, and in the public schools.  Abtracts of the
main articles from the three issues published in 1995 (9:1, 9:2,
and 9:3) are presented here.  Abstracts from previous publication
years have appeared in earlier issues of DEOSNEWS (Volume 1
in DEOSNEWS 1:4; Volume 2 in 1:8; Volume 3 in 1:12; Volume
4 in 1:16; Volume 5 in 2:2; Volume 6 in 2:22; Volume 7 in 3:11;
and Volume 8 in 4:12). Ordering information for current or back
issues can be obtained from the AJDE office at the address,
telephone number, or fax number listed above.
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THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
   
VOLUME 9 NO. 1 - 1995
   
Author(s): William J. Bramble and Barbara L. Martin
Title: THE FLORIDA TELETRAINING PROJECT: MILITARY
TRAINING VIA TWO-WAY COMPRESSED VIDEO
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 1
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 6-26.
   
Abstract: The Florida Teletraining Project tested the feasibility of
using community colleges as providers of various types of military
training to personnel in the Reserve Components (RC). Training
was delivered via the Army's TNET system, which employs two-
way interactive video. Five courses were produced, delivered, and
evaluated during the project. Results showed that effective military
course reconfiguration can be accomplished by civilian institutions,
that the delivery system was technically reliable, that students
performed well using specially reconfigured courseware, and that
students rated the video teletraining approach as effective. The
project demonstrated the potential of two-way video teletraining
for a variety of military training applications for several
different levels of military personnel.
   
Author(s): Rory McGreal
Title: A HETEROGENEOUS DISTRIBUTED DATABASE SYSTEM FOR
DISTANCE EDUCATION NETWORKS
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 1
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 27-43
   
Abstract: The exponential increase in the amount of information
available makes the development of efficient information access
systems essential. A heterogeneous distributed database system
(HDDS) is an interconnected collection of logically related
databases. Recent advances in database design, particularly the
introduction of HDDSs, can offer distance education networks
viable, simple, cost-effective and efficient database access
systems. Telecommunications users are becoming more and more
sophisticated, demanding interoperability in a flexible, user-
friendly environment. The World Wide Web, Gopher, WAIS, and
other Internet navigation tools are making access less difficult.
Although implementing a heterogeneous distributed database
system may add complexity, it would be consistent with present
developments while providing a more efficient service to the
students, teachers, researchers, and administrators who are using
distance education networks. Implementing a HDDS can be an
efficient way to manage the coordination of individual systems to
provide up-to-date, easily accessible information on available
courses, course design, registration procedures, hardware and
software use and availability, library resources, and other topics of
interest to those in the field of distance education.
   
Author(s): Darcy Walsh Hardy and Donald Olcott, Jr.
Title: AUDIO TELECONFERENCING AND THE ADULT LEARNER:
STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE PRACTICE
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 1
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 44-60
   
Abstract: Audio teleconferencing is a distance learning delivery
system that has often been overlooked by educational institutions
and other organizations. However, the trend toward adoption of
"high-end" (and high cost) delivery systems is giving way to a
new trend toward appropriate selection of a delivery system based
on course content, course design, and intended audience. This
article takes a close look at audio teleconferencing as a viable
option for many distance learning situations, discusses the
importance of the audio component in distance learning, and
suggests management and delivery strategies for organizations
considering this medium.
   
Author(s): Esther H. Paist
Title: SERVING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN DISTANCE
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 1
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 60-71
   
Abstract: Flexibility in location, scheduling, and delivery of
courses and programs through distance education can provide
disabled students with what may be their first real access to higher
education. Distance educators must stay abreast of developments
(particularly technological developments) that will improve future
services; in this way, they can take a proactive stance in providing
and delivering courses, instruction, and testing in accessible
formats. This article states a philosophy for serving disabled
learners and describes practical applications of that philosophy for
distance education programs based on the experiences of the
Independent Study program at the University of Wisconsin-
Extension. Issues addressed include information dissemination,
planning, instruction, testing, and faculty training and support.
   
   
VOLUME 9 NO. 2 - 1995
   
Author(s): David Jonassen, Mark Davidson, Mauri Collins,
John Campbell, and Brenda Bannan Haag
Title: CONSTRUCTIVISM AND COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION
IN DISTANCE EDUCATION
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 2
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 7-26
   
Abstract: The fields of learning theory and instructional design are
in the midst of a scientific revolution in which their objectivist
philosophical foundations are being replaced by a constructivist
epistemology. This article describes the assumptions of a
constructivist epistemology, contrasts them with objectivist
assumptions, and then describes instructional systems that can
support constructive learning at a distance.
   
Author(s): Terry D. Anderson and D. Randy Garrison
Title: TRANSACTIONAL ISSUES IN DISTANCE EDUCATION: THE
IMPACT OF DESIGN IN AUDIOTELECONFERENCING
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 2
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 27-45
   
Abstract: This paper reports the results of a study of student
perceptions of learning via audioconferencing in university-level
courses delivered at a distance. Field observations, interviews,
and a focus group were used to triangulate and deepen knowledge
obtained from an initial mail survey. The results of the
investigation revealed that the audioteleconferences were being
used under two quite different instructional designs, which were
associated with significant differences in students' perceptions of
the opportunity to engage in critical thinking skills, creation of a
community of inquiry, and value of various components of the
distance education system. The study documents students'
perceptions and outlines ways in which these sessions can be
designed to induce maximum learning opportunities.
   
Author(s): Paul M. Biner, Martin L. Bink, Michelle L. Huffman,
and Raymond S. Dean
Title: PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS DIFFERENTIATING AND
PREDICTING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF TELEVISED-COURSE STUDENTS
AND TRADITIONAL-COURSE STUDENTS
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 2
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 46-60
   
Abstract: A large-scale field study was conducted to 1) determine
if the personality traits of students enrolled in televised college-
level courses differ from the personality traits of students enrolled
in traditional college-level courses and 2) identify the specific
personality traits predictive of successful performance in televised
classes. Results showed that students enrolled in telecourses do
have a unique personality profile and that certain traits predicted
success for these students. Implications of these results are
discussed.
   
Author(s): Michael Jaeger
Title: SCIENCE TEACHER EDUCATION AT A DISTANCE
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 2
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 61-75
   
Abstract: The nation's school reform agenda focuses on
fundamental changes in schools and teachers; science education
has been identified as a key area for these changes. However,
science teachers in rural schools often are at a disadvantage for
receiving necessary continuing education. Telecommunications
technology can provide these teachers with access to current
information in science education; it also allows teacher educators
to model desirable science teaching strategies. This article reports
on a pilot project that used interactive videoconferencing to
provide hands-on instruction to science teachers at various rural
sites and computer conferencing to link participants for
coursework, networking, and access to resources.
   
   
VOLUME 9 NO. 3 - 1995
   
Author(s): Don Olcott, Jr. and Stephen J. Wright
Title: AN INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FRAMEWORK FOR INCREASING
FACULTY PARTICIPATION IN POSTSECONDARY DISTANCE EDUCATION
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 3
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 5-17
   
Abstract: The increasing importance of distance education compels
postsecondary institutions to 1) reduce existing barriers to faculty
participation in distance education, and 2) provide support services
that will ensure student access to high-quality instructional
programs. This article presents an institutional support framework
that can assist higher education institutions in meeting these needs
by appropriately balancing the application of technologies and the
development of human resources.
   
Author(s): Peter S. Cookson and Yu-bi Chang
Title: THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL AUDIOCONFERENCING CLASSIFICATION
SYSTEM (MACS)
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 3
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 18-36
   
Abstract: Increasing awareness and emphasis on interactional
aspects of distance education is accompanied by growing interest
in describing the actual process of audioconferencing instruction.
Studies reviewed for this article have examined some aspects of
the instructional process and outcomes of different instructional
modes, but have not focused on distance education-related
interactional dimensions. This article reports an ongoing effort to
develop an instrument for tabulation, analysis, and interpretation
of audioconferencing instructional interactions. Drawing on three
theoretical and empirical streams--systematic small group
interaction analysis, systematic classroom interaction analysis, and
interaction in distance education settings--the schema presented
here offers an approach to classify and analyze the elements
accounted for by the contextual structure in audioconferencing
instruction.
   
Author(s): Michael Barry and Gregory B. Runyan
Title: A REVIEW OF DISTANCE-LEARNING STUDIES IN THE
U. S. MILITARY
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 3
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 37-47
   
Abstract: This review of literature includes recent studies of
distance learning in military settings. Aspects of distance learning
reviewed include 1) distance learning delivery systems, 2)
effectiveness studies comparing distance learning and resident
training, and 3) speculation as to the future of distance learning in
military settings. Additionally, the results of interviews conducted
at military sites and universities with experience in distance
learning are reported.
   
Author(s): Steve Gruber and Gary Coldevin
Title: DISTANCE EDUCATION FOR ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES IN
CANADA: PAST EXPERIENCE AND FUTURE POTENTIAL
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 3
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 48-61
   
Abstract: Past experience with an industrial, classroom-based
educational model for aboriginal students has revealed severe
limitations that have resulted in secondary graduation levels far
below those of the Canadian population in general. Distance
education has the potential to redress many of the traditional
model's inherent weaknesses, including the reduction of problems
associated with cultural assimilation. Distance education also has
the potential to enhance the multimedia resources of band-
controlled schools, schools that have shown good promise in
raising retention and attainment rates. This article reviews the
current situation pertaining to education in Canadian aboriginal
communities, discusses the strengths and weaknesses of two
distance education programs for aboriginals, and concludes with
key guidelines for future distance education endeavors.
   
Author(s): Vivian Lalande
Title: STUDENT SUPPORT VIA AUDIO TELE-CONFERENCING: PSYCHO-
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR POST-BACHELOR NURSING STUDENTS
Publ: The American Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 9 No. 3
Publ. Year: 1995
Pages: 62-73
   
Abstract: Although the provision of student services for distance
learners is recognized as critical, the development of effective
services for distance learners has been minimal. This paper will
provide an overview of a recently initiated project designed to
provide student services via audio teleconferencing to a population
of Post-R.N. Bachelor of Nursing students at the University of
Calgary. A series of psycho-educational workshops was
developed to ease the transitions first to the distant student role and
then back to the role of worker. These workshops were
implemented and evaluated in terms of both process and content.
Evaluation results indicated that the teleconference delivery of
psycho-educational workshops is effective in providing support
services to distance students.
   
   
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