This paper discusses the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in college teaching, especially for the teacher who is new to teaching with CMC. In part, it offers a personal narrative of how the author developed use of CMC in his teaching. It discusses the nature of CMC as a medium of communication and introduces the teacher to many…

Online support groups have the potential to improve the access and delivery of services to a wide range of people who reside worldwide. They provide an alternative vehicle of support for people in distress when it may be culturally stigmatizing to seek face-to-face support. They are not appropriate for everyone, nor can everyone worldwide access…

This study examined the experiences of nine faculty members in the development of two online courses at a community college in southeast Nebraska. The faculty members used Lotus Notes (software that was adapted for instructional delivery known as computer-mediated communication) as the delivery tool. Data was collected through interviews,…

This study tested the Adult Distance Study through Computer Conferencing (ADSCC) model developed by D. Eastmond (1994) to determine if learner readiness, online features, and computer mediated communication (CMC)-related learning approaches are associated with learner satisfaction in an academic computer conference. Participants were 50 students…

Advanced technologies are changing the way teaching and learning are conducted and experienced in the world of distance education. Network environments such as the Internet have formed a new virtual education world for online learners. In distance education, the instructor and learner are physically separated. Interactivity is an important part of…

This paper looks at challenges that face the epistemological model on which formal education is based as a result of the rapid growth in use of new communications and information technologies (CITs). The argument has three parts. The first describes some phenomena associated with the development during recent decades of these new CITs and their…

A study examined how to teach computer skills to future professionals in communications. The context of the study was the communications department in a mid-sized Finnish university. Data was collected on computer use and attitudes to computers and computer-mediated communication by means of surveys and learning journals during the Communications…

Current theories of learning have emphasized the value of dialogue for student engagement and achievement (Cazden, 2001; Bruffee, 1992). Research has also shown that the nature of classroom discourse depends greatly on the teacher (Anderson, Rourke, Garrison, & Archer, W., 2001). These issues are relatively well understood in face-to-face…

Discusses the role of the language media center and the future of the language media profession. Argues that an expanding second-language clientele requires the establishment of new administrative and technical alliances and that teachers need training in hardware as well as an in-depth understanding of how technology use affects teaching and…

Illustrates how print and electronic information/communication formats can enhance, rather than oppose each other. Discusses "IFB Abstracts" and the role of the World Wide Web as a breeding ground for a printed reference annual. Points out the value of "authoritative" print annuals and Web updates and archives. (AEF)

Illustrates how users can take full advantage of the Internet to communicate and to network. Discusses electronic mailing, listservs and Usenet groups; referring cold connections to a Web page; and designing Web pages for maximum information retrieval by search engines. (AEF)

Investigates how members of a Usenet newsgroup value and use news sources. Finds that electronic news sources predominated and that media use was not tied to the user's geographic locale. Raises several questions for future research. (RS)

Finds that student Groupware users are generally satisfied with member contributions and group output but are less satisfied with software-supported, decision-making processes. Suggests that Groupware is a powerful communication tool for support of work groups but that it may not in itself solve the basic problems of getting people to work…

Describes how large-group brainstorming via e-mail at the University of Northern Iowa was used for strategic planning. Discusses factors affecting electronic brainstorming success and the advantages and disadvantages of electronic brainstorming. (AEF)

Semi-structured interviews were used to assess experiences of three children (ages 8-17) with end stage renal failure, including their perceptions of treatment and side effects, coping strategies, and STARBRIGHT World technology, a program that provides peer support through video conferencing with other children. The benefits of STARBRIGHT are…