Mind the gap(s): Modeling space in online education

As technology becomes more and more accessible and affordable, institutions of higher learning will increasingly utilize it both in and outside of the classroom. While many teachers and students have experience with computer classrooms in more traditional settings, e-leaming, or online education, is predicted to overtake classroom-based instruction as the primary method of delivery in both educational and service-oriented industries by 2004 [1, p. 11]. In a recent editorial in T.H.E. Journal, Sylvia Charp noted that electronic learning courses are particularly powerful because they are Portable-They are available on the Web, at any time, from any place; Modular-They consist of multiple units, making it easy for learners to digest the material; and Interactive-Learners must respond, and students are able to chat with their peers and teachers [1, p. 12].