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…

Investigated the relationship between university student motivation and student acceptance of learning via computer conferencing (CC). Considered frequency of contributing online messages; satisfaction with CC; grades; effort; goal orientation; personal relevance of tasks; task attractiveness; and students' beliefs concerning the relationship of…

Describes a computer-mediated communications (CMC) system called CoSy that performs conferencing and mail functions, and reports on its use at the Open University. Results of a questionnaire that focused on student expectations suggest that the lack of social rules for controlling the flow of dialogue requires attention. (LRW)

This discussion of the potential for computerized conferencing as the first cost effective technology for the delivery of a classroom environment in a remote learning situation begins by comparing remote learning modes and reviewing various educational experiments that have used the Electronic Information Exchange System (EIES) during the…

The experience of piloting a course combining computer-assisted instruction with computer conferencing yielded lessons for distance education: (1) careful training in the use of the technology at various levels improves learner access and reduces frustrations; and (2) institutional infrastructure and absence of defined departmental…

This study looked at the instructional and assessment effects of using learning journals in three distance asynchronous computer conferencing courses (n = 18, n = 16, n = 17). The instructor used a design-research methodology: each iteration of the course involved modifications to how learning journals were used based on analyses of the responses…

Describes the use of SoftArc Intranet FirstClass, a collaborative learning environment that uses computer conferencing, and discusses pros and cons of choosing this system for running online courses from a distance. Presents case studies from Italy and presents viewpoints of students, tutors, designers and administrators. (Author/LRW)

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…

Describes the United Kingdom Open University's FirstClass(TM) Computer conferencing system and its role in student support, taking as an example the way it is used for course choice. Suggests that while there are students who use it freely and apparently derive benefit from it, there are also substantial issues to be addressed about its relative…

A study compared 49 college students' experiences with 2 teaching methods (face-to-face instruction, computer conferencing). Each of three groups received instruction in the same topics and used both methods, but in different sequences. Factor analysis identified one negative factor for computer conferencing, indicating a problem with use of…

A survey of graduate students enrolled in computer-mediated conferencing courses and a follow-up analysis of help seekers who used a dedicated hotline found that many students had encountered computer communication difficulties. Students varied in their ability to solve these problems and in their attitudes toward them. (Author/LRW)

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…

This paper explores the ways in which the perception of a real-time classroom exchange serves as the conduit to a grander socially constructed conflict through the mediation of an asynchronous online listserve. The sample of 25 listserve messages was selected from a class of 191 undergraduate students in the lecture section of an introductory…

Explored the relationship between asynchronous, text-based forms of social communication and students' perceptions of the social climate of computer conferences based on questionnaire responses from the University of Alberta's distance education courses. Discusses setting the climate for discussion; a taxonomy of social expressions; and directions…

Examines recent research on student interactions and student course evaluations in six Web-based courses taught at Arizona State University between 1996 and 1998. Topics include online interaction; computer conferencing; teaching research methods; teacher perspectives; and student perspectives. (Author/LRW)