Describes a study of college students that investigated the appropriateness of computer-mediated communication (CMC), particularly email, in distance learning, and the opinions of students and instructors towards the use of CMC in instruction. Discusses results of surveys and interviews as well a follow-up study conducted one year after the…

Enacts a dialogue between the author's experience as a full-time, online course designer and his background in composition and English studies. Proposes and theorizes a more conscious and extensive use of a compositional or third voice in online classes. Argues that teaching and learning in online classes need to be recognized and articulated as…

Describes how Dutch primary school children used a computer-mediated discussion forum to discuss the concept of horror stories. Presents an ongoing empirical study in which the contributions to an electronic discussion forum from children working individually were compared to contributions from children working in dyads. Indicates that children…

Describes a study that was conducted to investigate instructor perceptions of the impact on instruction when asynchronous text-based Internet communication technology was integrated into distance courses at the University of Alberta. Highlights include the theory of transactional distance; and results of interviews with instructors regarding…

Graduate students (n=11) collaborated on a case study using either synchronous voice, asynchronous voice, or synchronous text communication system. Participants kept a log, wrote reflections, and were interviewed. Analysis reveals that each group strategically supplemented the system that had been assigned to them with additional communication…

University preparation programs in school counseling, special education, and social work services remain separate with pre-service collaboration virtually nonexistent. A multidisciplinary electronic discussion forum was implemented to overcome the traditional barriers of space and time to allow students to use the Internet to collaborate in their…

Notes that asynchronous online discussion forums can enhance community college students' education. Focuses on how online discussion forums uniquely contribute to the teaching and learning of community college students. Discusses benefits of the online discussion forum. Concludes that educators must continue identifying who students are, how they…

Suggests that business students need to be prepared to manage the communication of intercultural teams. Discusses strategies for success such as: developing a network of good relationships built on trust and understanding; showing respect for other cultures and languages; and understanding how diversity strengthens the team. (SG)

The personal home pages of five Internet service providers were sampled and 16 personal home pages of adults with Down syndrome were found that referred to friendships. A thematic analysis indicated the authors could be attempting to present an image of themselves as someone who is capable of having friends. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Discusses the relationship of gender and discourse types, including epistolary and expository, in computer-mediated communication such as listservs. Describes a study that used transcript analysis to determine whether gender patterns could be detected in an online graduate course and considers the strategic value of discourse styles in group…

Notes that a developing multimedia network to connect three campuses allowed students in a Media, Religion and Cultural Identity course, national spokespersons, editors, and journalists to discuss the role of mediated religion, its impact on public opinion and on popular culture. Considers how a learning community was created. Argues for…

Discusses computer mediated communication (CMC) and how it is used in language learning. Focuses on new forms of discourse, new ways of learning, and multimedia and multi-modal CMC. (Author/VWL)

Reports the types of modification devices nonnative speakers of an intermediate level of proficiency employed during synchronous online exchanges. Results show that request for help, clarification check, and self correction were the most used strategies for negotiation among students. Data suggest these modification devices facilitate…

Describes a study of graduate distance education students that defined and measured collaboration during asynchronous computer-mediated communication using a threaded Web discussion. Developed a model for evaluating interdependence, synthesis, and independence in collaboration; and discusses the role of collaboration in problem solving, along with…

Studies may not help to determine cost-effectiveness of distance or mediated education for several reasons: difficulty gathering data; many costs are not intrinsic to technology, but a result of decisions made; and difficulty in comparing costs of different mediated programs. Cost-effectiveness of technology can be determined by designing and…