Describes a case study involving the implementation of computer-mediated communications via the Internet linking two university instructional design classes in two different countries. Includes examples from student discussions, demonstrates the impact of discussions on the design projects, and considers access to computers and implications for…

Examines experiences of Park College (Missouri) (Park University as of January 1, 2000) in developing an online distance learning program that serves more than 1,700 students per term worldwide. Discusses the pilot course; first terms online; motivations and preconditions necessary for success; profit/nonprofit perspective; leadership; types of…

This study analyzed discussion in an online conference that supplemented class discussion using an instructional method called the starter-wrapper technique within a graduate level educational psychology course. Describes use of a model for content analysis of computer-mediated communication and examines five variables, including student…

Reports on a study that utilized surveys, interviews, and a modified focus group to examine the perceptions of graduate students regarding the effectiveness of computer-conferencing communication on higher-order learning. Recommendations for effective computer conferencing are included that address organization of content, small-group interaction,…

Describes the use of CMT (computer-mediated communications) to help ELT (English-language training, or English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) acquire high-level communication, cultural, and employability skills as well as language skills for postsecondary studies and employment. (LRW)

Investigates the impact of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology in an interactive environment providing distance education in library and information science at two San Jose State University (California) sites. The main purpose of the study was to develop a reliable and valid evaluation instrument. Contains 6 tables. (Author/AEF)

The literature on language diversity, linguistic human rights, and language renewal is reviewed, and Web sites dedicated to Aboriginal languages are examined. The Internet provides a resource center where grammars, lexicons, fonts, and other resources can be developed; a means of learning languages; and a medium for communicating in Aboriginal…

Describes experiences in providing real-time online reference services to users with remote Web access at the Bowling Green State University library. Discusses the decision making process first used to select HumanClick software to communicate via chat; and the selection of a fee-based customer service product, Virtual Reference Desk. (LRW)

Defines distance education; provides a historical background; discusses emerging modes of instruction, including interactive television, computer-mediated communication, electronic mail, and national and international networks; and considers the future of distance education, including the use of the Internet, multimedia, and a new paradigm for…

Examines the current status of online developmental courses. Features descriptions of programs at several colleges, including the names and e-mail addresses of individuals to contact for further information. Describes the hardware requirements for offering online courses as well as how such courses typically operate. (MAB)

A study of 43 student teachers of science studying lesson planning found that students working in partnership with a supervising teacher achieved 12% higher gains than teachers working entirely at a university and that teachers using computer-mediated delivery achieved 15% higher gains than those using traditional delivery methods. (PEN)

Explores ethnic and gender differences in classroom conversational styles by comparing student involvement in face-to-face and computer-mediated discussions. Finds that white males participated more frequently than other groups in the face-to-face setting, and white women benefited more from computer-mediated communication. Notes Hispanic women…

Discussion of synchronous computer mediated communications over the Internet focuses on the opportunities and pitfalls of using graphical chat programs in education. Topics include two-dimensional and three-dimensional chat programs; distance education; problem solving groups; exploring cultural differences; language skill development;…

Discusses how computers mediate communication and how technology has a systemic rather than an instrumental relation with society. Argues that computers alter language structure, social relationships, space, time, and identities. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

Conceptual learning of 13 graduate students was studied during a six-week course using the Internet for collaborative learning of online articles. Five groups were formed with each creating a knowledge map during the first and fifth week of the course. Multidimensional scaling analysis was used to study change in each group's mapping over time to…