Encouraging Personal Interests and Learning Discussion centered around the idea of applying cognitive scientist Roger Shank's theories of learning in the classroom. Shank's theory says that students should study compulsory subjects through what they are interested in. But what happens when a student is so used to being told what to learn that he or she has no idea what to study if suddenly cut free? By Sally McLauren, Child Research Net, November 22, 2001.[Refer]

Leadership in Educational Innovation Keynote address from last month's Net*Working 2001 conference in Brisbane (though the content of the paper bears little resemblance to my recollection of the content of the talk). A useful paper, rich with vingettes, listing current and expected instructional technologies and talking about the impact of the emergence of online learning techniques in the traditional classroom. MS-Word .doc format. By Chris Dede, Net*Working 2001, October 15, 2001.[Refer]

Problem-Based Learning Online Practical paper (in impractical PDF format) discussing the application of problem based learning (PBL) to an online environment. Provides a brief overview of PBL and applies this to a case study involving online learning in recreational management. By Ken Gooding, Net*Working 2001, October 15, 2001.[Refer]

Good Practice in Flexible Learning: Findings 2000 Summary document with a link to results of a research project looking at good practice in flexible learning. This paper mostly looks at the methodology. Some useful concepts: a four-stage continuum of online learning models, and a a good practices 'skeleton' identifying structures that underpin good practices. MS-Word .doc file. By Carol Bond and Larry Smith, Net*Working 2001, october 15, 2001.[Refer]

Building a Whole-of-Organisation Approach to Online Education Not what you'd expect from the title. The author argues that while many people argue that they have adopted a 'whole organization' approach, the reality falls short if by 'whole organization' online learning is viewed as just one of many delivery modes employed by an institution - the idea is that the institution shifts from mode to mode on an as needed basis. Also some discussion of the costs of online learning. MS-Word .doc format. By Greg Webb, Net*Working 2001, October 15, 2001.[Refer]

People Development - Reflective Practice for the Educator Metaphor laden discussion of the tools and practices needed for professional development. This essay version of Liz Burge's talk is faithful to her presentation. MS-Word .doc format. You may also want to read my Reflecting on Liz Burge in response to this talk. By Liz Burge, Net*Working 2001, October 16, 2001.[Refer]

Content in Context. Online Delivery in an Architectural Context Pretty good discussion of why we would need an information technology architecture and a statement of the concrete outcomes of an architectural project. A bit fuzzy on the details - the paper asserts at several junctures that the principles are unclear, though they are evidently applied (sounds like a research project there). Also a good nod to the use of predefined components in architectural design. And finally, a plug for Unisys. PDF format (containing completely unnecessary graphical material). By Terence Wilks, Net*Working 2001, October 16, 2001.[Refer]

Learning Network Models - A Practitioner's View Really useful paper that looks at several models of learning networks from a global point of view then compares learning netwworks with community networks. Summarizes key success factors for building both community networks and learning networks: a common vision, a focus on capacity building, trust, hope, local ownership and a vision for the future. By leone Wheeler, Net*Working 2001, October 16, 2001.[Refer]

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