Discusses various types of information that can be retrieved from the Web via search engines. Highlights include Web pages; time frames, including historical coverage and currentness; text pages in formats other than HTML; directory sites; news articles; discussion groups; images; and audio and video. (LRW)

Discusses three electronic conferencing tools that apprentice novice learners and encourage them to interact and grapple with alternative perspectives. Technical details of each tool are described, along with 1 instance where all 3 technologies were united, resulting in a highly interactive conversation shared by over 30 people at 4 different…

Highlights the equality that computers bring to children with hearing impairments and the different ways computers can be used. The ability of the computer to facilitate communication (regardless of hearing ability), provide informational materials, and operate as a TTY (the phone-teletype device for the deaf), TTY answering machine, and fax…

Discusses some of the technological difficulties associated with the use of English or other European languages on the Internet, and uses Japanese computing as an example. Examines the linguistic culture of the language with attention to English, how technology limits/expands communication, and the role of languages in the computer domain.…

Highlights developments at the Center for Distance Learning at the State University of New York's Empire State College. Describes two types of instructional applications: (1) the textbook, course guide and tutor as the primary mode of instruction, with a technological tool/activity as an additional assignment; and (2) the textbook and course guide…

Describes a study of college students that investigated the appropriateness of computer-mediated communication (CMC), particularly email, in distance learning, and the opinions of students and instructors towards the use of CMC in instruction. Discusses results of surveys and interviews as well a follow-up study conducted one year after the…

Enacts a dialogue between the author's experience as a full-time, online course designer and his background in composition and English studies. Proposes and theorizes a more conscious and extensive use of a compositional or third voice in online classes. Argues that teaching and learning in online classes need to be recognized and articulated as…

Describes how Dutch primary school children used a computer-mediated discussion forum to discuss the concept of horror stories. Presents an ongoing empirical study in which the contributions to an electronic discussion forum from children working individually were compared to contributions from children working in dyads. Indicates that children…

Describes a study that was conducted to investigate instructor perceptions of the impact on instruction when asynchronous text-based Internet communication technology was integrated into distance courses at the University of Alberta. Highlights include the theory of transactional distance; and results of interviews with instructors regarding…

Graduate students (n=11) collaborated on a case study using either synchronous voice, asynchronous voice, or synchronous text communication system. Participants kept a log, wrote reflections, and were interviewed. Analysis reveals that each group strategically supplemented the system that had been assigned to them with additional communication…

University preparation programs in school counseling, special education, and social work services remain separate with pre-service collaboration virtually nonexistent. A multidisciplinary electronic discussion forum was implemented to overcome the traditional barriers of space and time to allow students to use the Internet to collaborate in their…

Notes that asynchronous online discussion forums can enhance community college students' education. Focuses on how online discussion forums uniquely contribute to the teaching and learning of community college students. Discusses benefits of the online discussion forum. Concludes that educators must continue identifying who students are, how they…

Suggests that business students need to be prepared to manage the communication of intercultural teams. Discusses strategies for success such as: developing a network of good relationships built on trust and understanding; showing respect for other cultures and languages; and understanding how diversity strengthens the team. (SG)

The personal home pages of five Internet service providers were sampled and 16 personal home pages of adults with Down syndrome were found that referred to friendships. A thematic analysis indicated the authors could be attempting to present an image of themselves as someone who is capable of having friends. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Discusses the relationship of gender and discourse types, including epistolary and expository, in computer-mediated communication such as listservs. Describes a study that used transcript analysis to determine whether gender patterns could be detected in an online graduate course and considers the strategic value of discourse styles in group…