Collaborative research on distance education in the United States, Mexico, and Cyprus led to a conceptual framework for the study of technology-mediated instruction. Findings included the following: online interaction might be slower and less rich and immediate, but in some aspects it is as good as or superior to face-to-face interaction.…

Investigates language productivity in foreign language learner output obtained via two different modes of computer-mediated communication: Asynchronous and synchronous. Examined which form of CMC would be more effective in increasing language productivity in foreign language learning, and which form of CMC participants would prefer. (Author/VWL)

Discussion of text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) focuses on a study that explored CMC in communication misunderstandings. Considers the lack of nonverbal cues, language and cultural barriers, and differences from face-to-face communication, and includes a copy of the questionnaire used in the study. (LRW)

Discusses some of the rich possibilities for students to engage in communication through the Internet. Offers a cautionary tale, one that sets the scene for fostering effective student communication. Describes Internet resources for engaging students in online communication, and presents ideas for curricular integration. (RS)

Surveys, notes, and transcripts from 35 business administration students participating in group learning via chat rooms were analyzed. Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that electronic conferencing can effectively support groups in reflection, collective inquiry, and skillful discussion. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

Analysis of computer-mediated communications of three groups of distance students (17 in a diploma program, 26 in a required course, 13 in an elective) identified the occurrence of 13 supportive online strategies. Most frequently used were referential statements, signatures, greetings, and horizontal questions. High- and low-support groups…

Discusses media of scientific communication used for research and publication, focusing on the Internet as medium. Describe a study of German social scientists that investigated the relationship between the Internet and other scientific communication media, including how scientists use the Internet for publication as well as for communication.…

Describes a range of currently available and developing technologies for creating and presenting annotations, glosses, and other comments on digital documents. Discusses the potential applications of these tools for providing feedback to student writers, supporting extended group discussions around digital texts, and facilitating research and…

Presents participant responses to a doctoral online support group conducted with The Palace software. The Palace allows for online chatting via the Internet, but adds a two-dimensional space that allows participants to be in a virtual room and represent themselves with various digital images. A summary of participants' journal entries and verbal…

Describes how directed online discussions served as a useful complement to face-to-face encounters by promoting greater interaction and wider participation among language learners. (Author/VWL)

Describes how a teacher educator uses a Web-based discussion board to promote reflection, encourage engagement, and develop collegiality in preservice teachers. Investigates the effects that a discussion board (forum) created on a website would have on the discourse and reflection of preservice teachers. Considers how the discussion board would be…

Describes a study that investigated a possible gender-related communications difference, the use of linguistic qualifiers and intensifiers, in the online computer conference transcript in a graduate course. Explains the use of sentences as the units of analysis and the use of a new tool for coding, the Transcript Analysis Tool. (Author/LRW)

Discusses reflective practice and suggests that participants in computer-mediated conferencing can be encouraged to engage in reflecting about onscreen experiences with the help of a trained moderator. Provides examples from Open University (United Kingdom) classes and concludes that reflective practice helps participants to learn online and…

Describes the nature of interpersonal relationships on the Internet, and argues that Internet correspondence has an effect on our lives. Similarities and differences between electronic and face-to-face relationships are discussed. (Author/JKP)

Examines student use of a prototype networked collaborative design environment to support or augment learning about engineering design. Finds that students use the channels for a variety of activities to increase depth of communication, increase breadth of communication, and overcome technical difficulty. Suggests that students need multiple…