Background: Online interaction in blended learning is leveraged through social presence and convergence. However, little systematic work currently exists on how researchers have explored these challenges in higher education institutions and no studies have synthesised these challenges. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to give a novel…

Reflective judgement is crucial for medical-related practitioners in dealing with controversial issues. However, the conformity phenomenon is likely to occur and interfere with reflective judgement learning during interactive activities. Effective strategies are required to moderate the conformity behaviour tendency (CBT) and improve reflective…

This paper presents some of the findings from a recent project that conducted a virtual ethnographic study of three formal courses in higher education that use "Web 2.0" or social technologies for learning and teaching. It describes the pedagogies adopted within these courses, and goes on to explore some key themes emerging from the research and…

Compares the impact of two different computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems, with different prescribed guidelines for use, on the per-person volume of online interchanges in two graduate classes. Hypothesies a relationship between system characteristics, guidelines for use, and the perpetuation of verbal interaction in settings where CMC is…

This paper illustrates a 5-year case study (from 2001 to 2005) regarding a course in educational technology that involved from 100 to 150 student teachers per year for a total of more than 500 trainees. Since the first version of the course, which was entirely based on a face-to-face approach, computer mediated collaborative learning techniques…

Reports on the use of short stories in Internet discussions to promote student learning. Describes off-campus teacher education students using CMC (Computer Mediated Communication) discussions of short stories and discusses results that show the use of narratives can improve the social environment of online conferences and contribute to…

Assesses distance learners' reactions to STILE (Students' and Teachers' Integrated Learning Environment), a project which used computer-mediated communication in the United Kingdom and Europe. Findings in four areas are discussed: (1) availability to collaborate; (2) interest in exercises for groupwork; (3) collaboration on extra material; and (4)…

The Open University implemented a project called M205-STILE (Students' and Teachers' Integrated Learning Environment), a fundamental computer science course, with 110 distance learning students and nine tutors in the United Kingdom and Europe. This article examines, from student and tutor perspectives, the knowledge, social, and motivational use…

Presents results from a study of undergraduate students' learning outcomes and patterns of interaction within an online discussion forum. Topics include social dynamics of computer-mediated communication versus face-to-face communication; cognitive engagement; critical and reflective thinking; and student interaction. (Author/LRW)

Psychology students at the University of Southampton use "skywriting," an e-mail based discussion medium involving tutors and students and focusing on issues arising from course content. This article discusses student participation in skywriting; examines effects of gender, computer attitudes, and computer experience; compares student…

Examines computer-mediated communication (CMC) in higher education, particularly the evaluation of network resources for course-related student communication. Presents case studies of e-mail seminars in Scottish language studies and music, demonstrates the significance of emphasizing process over outcome, and discusses factors affecting CMC usage:…

Describes experiences with computer-mediated communication (CMC) in a postgraduate information systems course at Central Queensland University (Australia). Highlights include a description of a case study discussion via electronic mail; use by off-campus students; examples of CMC interactions; responses to a student survey, including student…