Background: Many instructors transitioned their courses from face-to-face environments to computer-mediated learning environments (CMLEs) following the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, little was known about how teleconferencing platforms and their corresponding functions affect student learning when the COVID-19…

Based on a three-semester design-based research study examining learning and teaching in a web-conferencing environment, this article identifies types of synchronous collaboration competencies and reveals their influence on learning processes. Four levels of online collaborative competencies were observed--operational, interactional, managerial,…

This study examined students' internal management of their cognitive processing in an interactive online class. A mixed methods approach was used to explore students' strategy use in online discussions. The focus is on examining individual knowledge construction through active cognitive engagement, rather than the social interactions, in the…

Discusses the distance learning process that occurs when computer-mediated communication is used and presents a conceptual framework based on the theoretical principles developed by Gavriel Salomon. Characteristics of the technology are identified, including active user participation, activation of cognitive skills related to information…

Discussion of the use of computer conferencing by higher education institutions offering distance education courses focuses on a study that investigated adult student perceptions of distance study by computer conferencing. Highlights include a literature review; learning approaches; student relationships; and an Adult Distance Study through…

Presents a qualitative multiple-case study of three online asynchronous computer conferences that were part of a doctoral program at Nova Southeastern University. Examines the learning process from the points of view of interaction, cognition, and discourse analysis and proposes a model for assessing sociocognitive processes in computer…

Reviews the concept of learning in distance education; explains a model that lays the conceptual foundation for successfully integrating computer-based instruction with computer conferencing for interactive distance delivery; describes a pilot project at the University of Guelph that used the model; and discusses the project's evaluation. (21…

Discusses the use of audio teleconferencing in distance education. Types of communication and interaction that are necessary in distance education are described, including learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-learner; the institutional perspective is considered; and results of evaluations of audio teleconferencing courses at the…

Describes study conducted at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto that investigated graduate education students' use of audio conferencing (AC) in distance education. Evaluation results of student questionnaires are discussed, including effects of absence of visual cues; student attitudes; and role of…

Describes an integrated computer-based conferencing and mail system called ICMS (Integrated Conferencing and Mail System) that was developed to encourage students to participate in class discussions more actively. The menu-driven user interface is explained, and ICMS's role in promoting self-assessment and critical thinking is discussed. (eight…