Investigates whether participants in online environments (Multi-User Dungeon) take advantage of the technological capability to be something different, or instead manipulate the online environment to reflect the world off-line. Suggests individual choice inherent in strategic use of programmed convention is not welcome behavior, and that virtual…

Describes a study that used an ethnographic approach with a dramaturgy strategy to examine Chinese higher education students' interactions and perceptions of social presence in online learning environments. Results indicate that social presence, including social context, online communication, and interactivity, affected Chinese students'…

Describes the Internet-based Electronic Emissary Project that helps teachers locate other Internet account holders who are subject matter experts in different disciplines for the purpose of setting up curriculum-based electronic exchanges among experts and elementary and secondary students and teachers. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the controversy surrounding the existence of a culture created by those who use computers; some argue that computers lack emotional contact and that computer-mediated communication does not have the commonality to form a culture. Analyzes transcripts collected through a synchronous computer system, and argues that cultures are both…

In 1997, Buckman Laboratories (based in Memphis, Tennessee) embarked on a plan to create a Learning Center for its distributed, global workforce using the corporate intranet. The Learning Center is now fully operational and tightly integrated with the knowledge management and sharing activities of the company. Discussion includes rapid prototyping…

Investigates relationships between the quality of cross-gendered interactions online and often-expressed complaint that women are ignored in these environments. Finds women initiating more agreements and open-ended questions, but equivalent numbers of disagreements as their male classmates; however, they fail to speak in their own defense when…

This reflective analysis of an online professional development event illustrates in three narratives and a meta-reflection how three practitioners negotiated the conceptual framework, the activity design, and the roles and presence of the two online facilitators. Authors show how they examined their experience and developed some insights into…

Investigated British teachers' use of an online discussion group over 2 years. Results indicate that, although the online forum was widely used as both an information and empathetic exchange resource, many claims of establishing collectively- focused virtual communities of teachers remain exaggerated, as the forum was limited by various caveats…

In peer-to-peer systems, the lack of dedicated links between constituent computers presents a major challenge. Discusses the problems of distributed database operation with reference to an example. Presents two statistical selection algorithms-one for the intranet with broadcast/multicast facilities, the other for Internet without…

Examines perceptions of White student identity in response to a racial hate email circulated to minority students throughout a predominantly White university campus community in the U.S. in 1999. Indicates that even though White students did not feel the need to identify themselves as "White" because of its sense of normalcy, they enjoyed and…

Considers how theoretical foundations in website design courses can facilitate students learning the genres of Internet communication. Proposes ways that theories can be integrated into website design courses. Focuses on two students' website portfolios and ways they utilize genre theory and activity theory discussed in class to produce websites…

Explores implications of increased publication options and examines conceptual distinctions among Fixed-Format, Electronic, and Meta-media Editors. Proposes a keyboard editing/commenting technique that will work across platforms and software programs and in every mode of electronic communication including simple e-mail. Suggests an increased…

Discusses a pilot study using synchronous electronic chats combined with task-based instruction (TBI) to enhance learners' communication skills. TBI focuses on the two-way exchange of information on real-life topics. Shows that computer-mediated communication using less structure-controlled but more open-ended exchange had a significant impact on…

Describes specific experiences and benefits of teaching online. Considers how networking student learners to reduce teacher workload appears to be one of the most important functions for computer-based education. (SG)

Claims the "dot com" trend has pushed new media education to go more technical. Suggests that new media education (including the Internet, e-commerce, multimedia production, and other computer-related communication) refocus on the communicative dimension and new media management. Argues that only based on this understanding can…