This study investigated the online practices of students enrolled in graduate-level distance education courses. Using interviews and a questionnaire as data sources, the study sought to: (a) identify common practices that students adopt in asynchronous discussions, and (b) gain an understanding of why students adopt them. An analysis of the data…

This paper presents a macro speech act analysis of computer-mediated conferencing on a university course on language pedagogy. Students read scholarly articles on language learning and discussed them online, in order to make sense of them collaboratively in preparation for a reflective essay. The study explores how the course participants made use…

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between media, learners' perception of social presence, and output in communicative learning using synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC). In this study, we developed four types of SCMC: videoconferencing (image and voice), audioconferencing (voice but no image), text chat with image (image…

The aim of this paper is to present the design, implementation and evaluation of the methodology which focuses on the pedagogical utilization of Interactive Videoconferencing (IVC) in the contemporary elementary school. As part of the project "ODYSSEAS", during the school year 2007-2008, 46 students and 4 teachers from two elementary…

Teacher educators must find ways to teach course content situated within realistic K-12 contexts so that their preservice teachers can better understand how to apply that content effectively in situations they will face as professionals. Video-conferencing (VC) technology has emerged as a useful tool in teacher education, evincing a wide range of…

This study uses a quasi-experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of Internet videoconferencing technology. The instructor used a laptop, webcam, high-speed DSL connection, and Polycom[TM] Viewstation to teach a course unit of introductory sociology from a remote location to an experimental group of students in a large multimedia classroom. The…

In 2006 and 2008, two large trans-national residential summer schools on conservation science were organized as intensive programs. Learners were not only second/third cycle students in both exact sciences and humanities, but further practicing restorers; consequently their educational background, and even their way of approaching scientific…

Purpose: The increased pressure to incorporate communication technologies into learning environments has intensified the attention given to the role of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in academic settings. However, the issue of how and why these technologies, especially synchronous CMC applications, has been given less attention in…

Examines the implications of electronic networking and database services for adult learners. Explores the feasibility and ramifications of electronic networking and communication with other students and with faculty in a computer network and the implications of being able to access elaborate databases in conducting research, writing essays, or…

Analyzes the use of computer conferencing for management education and describes the introduction of computer conferencing in a distance education MBA (Master's of Business Administration) program at the Open University in the United Kingdom. The use of computer conferencing at the Western Behavioral Sciences Institute (California) (WBSI) is also…

Examines teletraining as a cost-effective, high quality alternative in distance education. Teletraining methods include: audio-only, audio-graphic, computer-conferencing, one-way video broadcast, one- or two-way video with audio interaction, and desktop videoconferencing. (AEF)

Examines past and current research in key areas concerning the use of distance education. They include: distance versus traditional education; why students are successful; importance of interaction; important cost to benefit factors; and use of distance education to effectively bridge cultural boundaries. Discusses how these findings can be…

This report on the use of the computer conferencing system CoSy begins with a summary of its application at the Open University in 1988, and describes the changes made for its use in 1989. An evaluation based on both quantitative statistics of usage and qualitative data from interviews and conference comments is made and compared with results from…

A study of teachers in the United Kingdom's Open University who used a computer mediated communications system called Cosy in 1988 was conducted to document their experiences with and attitudes toward the system. The results of interviews and analysis of log sheets revealed that: (1) the sample of teachers (n=10) showed a range in usage of the…

An audioteleconferencing system enhanced with a microcomputer-based telewriting system was used for the delivery of an introductory statistics course designed for home study which was offered by Athabasca University. From the instructor's point of view, the telewriter system made supporting the delivery of the statistics course much easier and…