Research indicates that computer-mediated communication (CMC) is a great motivator of learning for the student (e.g., Gatlin-Watts, Arn, & Kordsmeier, 1998). However, the author's experience communicating with students through the Web indicates very divided student reactions to this manner of communication. In view of a relative lack of literature…

Synthesizes findings of 18 published experimental studies comparing face-to-face and computer-mediated communication (CMC). Finds that in general, discussions using CMC take longer, produce more ideas, and have greater equality of participation; but that there is reduced normative pressure and poor comprehension of the discussion in CMC. (SR)

Describes the implementation of a virtual environment to support the training of engineers in Panels of Experts (POE), a vehicle for gathering customer data. Describes the environment, discusses some issues of communication and interaction raised by the technology, and relays the experiences of new users within this environment. (RS)

A survey of members of the Information Industry Association (108 of 519 responded) found that more than 90% used the Internet and 50-90% used many other electronic communication systems. Therefore, business educators must stay abreast of the changing technologies. (Author/JOW)

A study examined how adult learners used a WebCT bulletin board space to construct knowledge. Metaphors and questions of possibilities were the "tools" that connected reflection, dialogue, and self-direction to create new understandings. The online space itself provided unique opportunities for self-directed learning and reflective dialogue.…

Discusses virtual learning environments, or online learning communities. Highlights include a conceptual framework; theoretical orientation; characteristics of online learning communities; pedagogical issues in course development, including communication, collaboration, interaction, and participation; technological issues; community building;…

Investigated how different strategies for grading online discussions influenced both the discussions and sense of classroom community in 18 graduate-level courses delivered at a distance. Found that there were significantly more discussions per student per week and higher levels of sense of community in courses where discussions were a graded…

Presents a case study that outlines the growth and development of TECHWR-L, a listserv for professional technical communicators. Discusses some of the more controversial aspects of the list. Outlines how TECHWR-L, or some other focused forum, could prove an even more valuable resource for the profession. (RS)

Proposes interaction hypotheses involving the social, interpersonal, and intellectual responses of group members collaborating via computer-mediated communication. Finds that some conditions of computer-mediated communication used by geographically dispersed partners rendered effects systematically superior to those obtained in other mediated…

Attempts to validate a psycholinguistic model of language processing. One experiment designed to provide insight into the model is TALK, is a system developed to promote conversational fluency in non-speaking individuals. TALK, designed primarily for people with cerebral palsy and motor neuron disease. Talk is demonstrated to be a viable tool for…

Notes that online communication technology makes intercultural communication faster and more direct than was ever before possible, but, in doing so, it may also amplify cultural rhetorical differences. Proposes that communication researchers need to compare the communication patterns noted in the computer-mediated communication (CMC) literature…

Describes a distance education course for a Masters program at the University of Manchester and discuses the use of computer mediated communication to build a sense of community and to understand course content. Concludes that synchronous tools are more effective for social aspects while asynchronous tools are better for the academic aspects.…

Discusses the use of hypermedia in education and argues that the dominant hypermedia models of electronic literacy are too limited to do justice to new media and changing views of literacy in the electronic age, especially in terms of their recourse to postmodern theories of representation. (Contains 70 references.) (Author/LRW)

Explores the feasibility of conducting counseling or therapy that involves image making via the Internet, and seeks to identify new issues to consider when implementing online counseling services. Content analysis yielded the following significant issues: concerns about technical failure, relevance for people with disabilities, the need for…

Reviews the current practice of using the Internet to provide marriage and family counseling services. Discusses how the Internet has developed into a medium that can be used for the provision of marriage and family counseling services. Ethical guidelines developed by other associations have direct implication in how marriage and family therapists…