Explores the impact of PRForum, an Internet newsgroup, on the public relations community by examining the nature, function, and content of online exchanges. Finds that PRForum is used for three functions: to facilitate the exchange of information; to create a forum for debate on issues; and to cultivate a sense of self-validation on personal and…

Discusses uninhibited behavior in computer-mediated communication (CMC), or flaming, and describes a study that examined the social context in which flaming occurs by analyzing messages posted during one week to four Usenet social newsgroups that represented different national and cultural groups. Results confirm that social context is the primary…

Introductory exploration of two usenet newsgroups focused on political discussions. The goal is to answer questions regarding issues such as who is participating in these online discussions and whether the online groups resemble more traditional discussion networks. (Author)

Suggests the electronic classroom provides a space for applying feminist ideas to a theorization of hypertext. Explores the potential for hypertext to interrogate dominant ideologies and to produce alternative knowledge. Uses feminist activist art as a model, and takes advantage of the way hypertext enables combination the best of both modern and…

Examines male and female students' participation in class discussions (measured in word counts). Finds that students participated more frequently in face-to-face discussions after they participated in a Daedalus Interchange sessions, but socially constructed variables such as gender lead some students to participate less frequently in traditional…

Looks at how a class newsgroup impacted on class participation in a graduate seminar that included students who initially appeared at a possible disadvantage--linguistically, educationally, and experientially. Discusses these culturally diverse students' contributions to the asynchronous class discussion. Raises concerns about limitations of the…

Explores how the appearance and wide use of information and communication technologies may enhance scientific communication and knowledge. Analyzes the use of email; summarizes the results of relevant international studies and surveys on computer-mediated communication; compares business and scientific communication; and examines the relationship…

Discusses the need for clear pedagogical objectives in the use of technological resources for second language teaching. Examines the resources and constraints of computer-mediated communication vis-a-vis specific pedagogical tasks. (Author/VWL)

The authors describe and evaluate quality assessment methods in a health care course that utilized web technology and various active learning strategies. The course was judged successful by student performance, evaluations and student assessments. The instructors were pleased with the outcomes achieved and the educational pedagogy used for this…

Analysis of over 450 contributions to electronic discussions by 52 adult learners showed the learning processes used were engaging, developing conceptual relationships, drawing conclusions, and reflecting. Learning progressed to a high analytical level and was facilitated by group process development. Faculty supported discussion by synthesizing…

Investigates the comfort and use of technology among college students. Also investigates the use of communication technologies such as e-mail and the Internet for academic and nonacademic purposes. Findings suggest that the majority of the participants were comfortable with technology and used e-mail and the Internet for academic and social…

Suggests the Internet has introduced the play element into student and corporate work culture. Examines a series of InterChange transcripts to demonstrate how discourse that combines serious and playful purposes works to provoke and mediate conflict. Concludes that students use serio-ludic discourse to critique and to negotiate power relations and…

Examines computer conferencing systems for distance education from a design perspective. Outlines structured and unstructured communication, organization and management of communication structures, and functions for users and managers of conferencing environments. Contrasts Web- and non Web-conferencing. Suggests how to choose a…

Discusses the third generation (G3) model of online education named synchronous online education. Reviews terminology, hardware, different stages of G3, software, and implications of G3 for the future. Contains 15 references. (VWC)

Five master's of business administration courses used various formats, including part traditional/part asynchronous activity and totally asynchronous. A survey of 88 of 108 students showed that flexibility of the medium and an interactive course environment influenced satisfaction more than ease or frequency of access. (SK)