A discussion forum is a valuable tool to support student learning in online contexts. However, interactions in online discussion forums are sparse, leading to other issues such as low engagement and dropping out. Recent educational studies have examined the affordances of conversational agents (CA) powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to…

A discussion forum is a valuable tool to support student learning in online contexts. However, interactions in online discussion forums are sparse, leading to other issues such as low engagement and dropping out. Recent educational studies have examined the affordances of conversational agents (CA) powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to…

The community platform "Young/Teen English Language Learners" (YELL/ TELL), as mentioned by Bortoluzzi and Marenzi (2014) was "developed to respond to the needs of collaboration and sharing among trainee teachers, school teachers, teacher trainers and researchers in the field of language learning for English [as a Foreign or Second…

Discusses interactivity in distance education and outlines four models: (1) no-interactivity; (2) resource-learner interactivity and peer-peer interactivity, similar to a face-to-face classroom setting; (3) decentralized self-managed peer-peer interactivity; and (4) coordinated-decentralized interactivity. Tables and diagrams depict these…

Examines online discussions using lexical scoring techniques. Suggests that online conversations become more sophisticated as learners interact with each other over the duration of a course, that collaboration among learners fosters the social construction of knowledge and that evidence of such knowledge-building activities is embodied in the tone…

Discusses theoretical and empirical research relevant to the use of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL)--including including collaborative-learning research and computer-mediated communication research--using a descriptive model to categorize the literature. Shows how the model provides guidance in designing and utilizing CSCL…

This paper utilizes a model of technology-mediated interaction to highlight the importance of social interaction in the construction of a collaborative online learning community. Learning communities are built around relationships. There are many factors that impact on the ability of social interaction to create social comfort and the capacity for…

It is assumed that cooperative learning continuously constructs and extends the shared knowledge of a group of learners with respect to a specific learning domain. Experiences with Computer-Supported Collaborative/Cooperative Learning (CSCL) environments indicate that an explicit representation of the shared knowledge is helpful with regard to two…

This paper reports on the Curry CONNECT project at the University of Virginia, a Web-based discussion group that links preservice teachers with graduate inservice teachers and apprenticing administrators. Using content, survey, and interview data collected from the discussion postings and student feedback, a qualitative analysis is presented,…

The authors developed a Web-based negotiation system that is closely modeled on real-world transactions. This paper illustrates the generality of the system by discussing two disparate applications of the system: one taken from business and the other from collaborative e-learning. The application generates, in real time, transparency-controlled…

The author reflects on her personal experience of networked learning using the approach of personal inquiry, addressing the issue of identity and presenting herself online; experience of participating in the formation of the learning group; and experience using this medium of communication. This is followed with a theoretical exploration which…

Investigates a graduate-level online course in which groups of four students were used to lead online discussions. The teams were examined for their ability to bring instructional design, discourse facilitation, and direct instruction to the discussion. Results indicate that the peer teams fulfilled each of the three roles and valued the…

Describes STILE (Students' and Teachers' Integrated Learning Environment) project that used a computer-mediated communication environment to assist student learning on a computer science course for both technical and nontechnical students. Discusses the student-tutor and the student-student exchanges in two of the tutorial conferences. Focuses…

Discusses a case study at Pepperdine University (California) in the Online Master of Arts in Educational Technology and the critical insights which can be used by similar university programs to influence their thinking of how to best prepare future learning communities in virtual discussions. Addresses key issues, benefits, and methods concerning…

This study investigated the use of various forms of computer-mediated communication (CMC) to support the formation of a knowledge-building community (KBC) in teacher education. A KBC involves students working in small and large groups to solve "real world" problems, and in the process develop skills of negotiation, communication, and…