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Previous research regarding the popular Computer Attitude Scale (CAS) has indicated that the computer confidence and computer anxiety subscales measure the same trait. This study, utilizing data yielded from 208 educators, obtained estimates of the reliability of the four subscale version of the forty item CAS; provided detailed information regarding the factor patterns of the CAS subscales; and provided evidence about the differential validity of the CAS among four groups with differing intensity of computer usage. Correlations and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyze the data. The results confirm that the confidence and anxiety subscales are a continuum. A new, smaller, subscale was created to reflect this relationship. Further, a new factor, attitudes toward academic endeavors associated with computer training, was named. The CAS may now be interpreted as a thirty-four-item scale addressing computer liking, perceived usefulness of computers, computer confidence/anxiety, and attitudes toward academic endeavors associated with computer training.

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As institutional and market pressures move more faculty into the online teaching space, renewed discussions are occurring about how to best teach online, and what features of online courses are best to employ. A distance learning staple, the online discussion, or asynchronous discussion forum (ADF) is an easy strategy for faculty to employ in an online course. However, tying ADFs to course goals, and ensuring they are deployed in ways that truly advance student learning is more difficult. This article provides an overview of ADFs and their role in the online teaching environment. The author reviews his own experiences with ADFs in a graduate educational administration course. Using a theoretical framework for quality distance education, the author critiques his own early efforts and subsequent improvements, ultimately providing a structure for other faculty to use as a model for their own ADF implementations.

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