Asynchronous Web Discussions in Teacher Training Courses: Promoting Collaborative Learning—or Not? - Sigrun Biesenbach-Lucas, AACEJ — Over the past few years, asynchronous web-based technologies have been examined for their usefulness in promoting collaborative learning among university students. Variations in implementation of this technology will determine to what extent students’ learning is actually collaborative. This article discusses curricular adaptations made in the integration of an asynchronous discussion board assignment in graduate level teacher training courses over a five-semester period. Based on the formats that were found to promote collaborative learning most successfully, conclusions about a recommended asynchronous web discussion assignment are presented.

A View from the Trenches: E-learning Entrepreneur Matthew Pittinsky Talks About the Latest Trends - U.S. News — Matthew Pittinsky, 32, is cofounder and chairman of Blackboard Inc., which went public in June and whose E-learning software is now used by more than 2,000 colleges, schools, and companies worldwide. In his spare time, he's also pursuing a Ph.D. in the sociology of education at Teachers College, Columbia University, with a particular interest in how online and in-class peer relationships influence student achievement. Pittinsky, who eventually hopes to add teaching and research to his Blackboard responsibilities, recently shared his perspectives on the future—and past—of E-learning.

E-learning and Universities: What Roberto Maragliano Thinks - Elearning Europa — Professor of Educational Technologies Roberto Maragliano responds from Rome to many of the very same questions that are posed in this country: why are online course completion rates low, does e-learning really work, and what are the best pedagogical approaches online. His up-front responses are refreshing and hold true even across the Atlantic.

The Digital Divide (DD): A Reconceptual-ization for Educators - Vernon Harper, ETR — The author discusses the popularized notion of the digital divide (DD), as a lack of access to information technology for specific groups. Yet educators must address greater social digital divide, including motivational barriers, knowledge and skill barriers, content barriers, and social network barriers.

Each month, we will share selected items that have recently been posted at the Online Learning Update blog, which provides daily summaries of news and journal articles in the field with links to the complete articles. You can always see the latest items, and find many more articles posted seven days a week at the Online Learning Update blog. Until next time, I’ll see you online!
~ray