Describes a study of computer conferencing where learners interacted over the course of four log-in sessions to acquire the knowledge sufficient to pass a learning test. Studied the number of messages irrelevant to the topic, explicit threading of messages, reading times of relevant messages, and learning outcomes. (LRW)

Presents a framework for developing technology-mediated interinstitutional relationships for collaborative telelearning. Uses experiences of interinstitutional relationships to illustrate how the framework can be used to both guide the design of new and the assessment of existing relationships. Discusses costs and benefits of interinstitutional…

Analyzes the substantive and stylistic features of the "Hamnet" script (an 80-line parody of "Hamlet") as performed on Internet Relay Chat. Explicates the logistics of virtual production. Finds evidence for the democratization and globalization of culture in Hamnet productions. Suggests that Hamnet activities appeal primarily…

Investigates place references in synchronous computer-mediated conversation, revealing two uses of place deixis: one for the user's physical location and one for "location" in the virtual space of the computer network. (SR)

Compares and contrasts attitudes toward the Internet of people in composition, technical communication, and rhetoric with those of people in engineering, who tend to be reluctant to use the Internet as an idea-sharing open communication channel. Notes the dilemma this creates for the technical writing instructor. (SR)

For its 1998 annual conference, the Midwestern Educational Research Association allowed submission of presentation proposals in the traditional paper format or via the conference Web site. Analysis of the 193 proposals received showed that electronic submission was a feasible means to receive proposals and that electronic and paper submissions…

Compares face-to-face negotiation outcomes with computer-mediated negotiation outcomes using an integrative (win-win) negotiation. Highlights include the use of electronic mail; literature reviews on negotiation literature, computer-mediated communication literature, and computer-mediated negotiation literature; hypotheses tested; Pareto…

Defines the physical and virtual space of high-tech classrooms in terms of one-to-many, many-to-one, one-to-one, and many-to-many communications modes. Urges an active approach to using information technology that includes administrative and technical support, rewards for innovation, training, security, and good design. (SK)

Describes the Application Development for the Distributed Enterprise (ADDE) project, a methodological set that supports the design of distributed business processes and information and communication technologies. Discusses principles behind ADDE, guidance on definition and planning of application development, guidance on distributed application…

Raises questions about the nature of human relationships and education in online learning. Suggests that preference for electronic learning is highly individual. Discusses issues related to image versus reality, trust, tone, subtlety, spontaneity, and authenticity in computer-mediated communication. (SK)

Uses classroom excerpts to examine issues of "playfulness" and "gaming" in computer-mediated communication (CMC). Offers theories and historical constructions of literacy and play for instructors to conceptualize the construction of boundaries between productive and nonproductive language behaviors in CMC. Argues that CMC's empowering capabilities…

Discusses and illustrates corporate Internet use in a geographically spread consulting firm (James Martin & Co.), focusing on idea sharing, vision, client information, and results. Argues that an intranet is an effective way of making intangible vision and mission pledges more tangible. (PEN)

Five key changes have taken place in distance education: (1) shift from multimedia-based to online education; (2) shift from transmission to constructivist models; (3) growing acceptance and expansion of distance education; (4) distance methods adapted across education; and (5) evolution from modernist/bureaucratic forms to postmodern, focusing on…

Proposes a methodology for the analysis of text-based interchanges on computer-mediated conferences used in distance education courses which is based on speech act theory and which takes the illocutionary act as its unit of analysis. This methodology is used to compare messages from two conferences and to show differing patterns of interaction.…

Argues that the Interaction Account of language learning evokes a narrow view of computer assisted language learning (CALL), and that it does not differentiate sufficiently between the types of CALL now commonly practiced, particularly with regard to the distinctive characteristics of the modes available under the rubric of computer-mediated…