Reviews the literature related to creating effective learning groups in face-to-face and virtual environments for distance education using research from cooperative learning, computer-mediated communication, organizational development, and group dynamics. Highlights include creating the groups, structuring the learning activities, and facilitating…

Examines linguistic features of text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) in Hong Kong. The study is based on a 70,000-word corpus of electronic mail and ICQ instant messaging texts, which were collected from students in Hong Kong. Identified language-specific features that may be seen as new literacy practices within the theoretical…

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…

Discusses how collaborative technologies and computer-based communication have influenced preservice teacher education. Considers the professor's relationship with online students; preparing teachers to interact with students through the new technologies; and the professor as role model for good teaching and facilitator of learning. (LRW)

Setting up your own telecommunications projects gives a sense of ownership and may be the best way to link students' electronic explorations with specific curriculum objectives. Indu Varma reports on three projects she has initiated for grade-six students. (LZ/Author)

Describes a study that examined the communication patterns of teachers who used UNITE (Unified Network for Informatics in Teacher Education), an electronic mail system designed to encourage curricular collaboration and resource sharing. Highlights include computer-mediated communication, use of UNITE by librarians, and recommendations for…

Explores reasons for organizations' use of groups and the need for groupware systems. Discusses vendors; Electronic Problem Structuring; synchronous and asynchronous communication; four stages of decision-making (intelligence, design, choice, and implementation); the Windows environment; the loss of non-verbal communication; and future groupware…

Discussion of the Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet) focuses on the benefits of Internet access for supporting teaching (based on an exploratory study and a longitudinal study of Australian academics). Results suggest Internet connectivity improves faculty collaboration and facilitates supervision of distance education and external…

Provides an overview of cognitive task analysis-based instructional design (CTA-BID) and its applications in the design of instructional and testing materials for distance education. Reviews developments in education, psychology, and instructional design that complement CTA-BID. (Author/AEF)

Describes the experience of creating a remote exploratorium by combining network media with design environments to support distance learning; the Agentsheets Remote Exploratorium provides learners access to interactive exhibits via the World Wide Web. Discusses issues of reliability, communication, and efficiency. (AEF)

Outlines a model for distance collaboration between business writing classrooms using network technology. Discusses ways to teach national and international audience awareness, problem solving, and the contextual nature of cases. Discusses goals for distance collaboration, sample assignments, and the pros and cons of network technologies. (SR)

Examines how interaction by means of computer-mediated communication affects the operation of both status differentials and power relations. Claims that power relations are reinforced in computer-mediated communications. Outlines a theoretical framework of the processes of "panoptic power" of such communications. (HB)

Examines the effects of time restriction on social interaction in computer-mediated communication through a meta-analysis of applicable research. Derives hypotheses from Joseph Walther's social information processing perspective. Supports these hypotheses on social communication. (HB)

Examines the standards process used for developing the Escrowed Encryption Standard (EES) and its possible impact on national communication and information policies. Discusses the balance between national security and law enforcement concerns versus privacy rights and economic competitiveness in the area of foreign trade and export controls. (67…

Discussion of emerging educational technologies focuses on a case study of college students that was conducted to observe the effects of using computer-mediated communication and appropriate groupware as a teaching tool. Highlights include effects on the students, the structure of the classroom, and interpersonal interactions. (Contains 29…