Studied the feasibility and effectiveness of computer-mediated (CM) focus groups. Comparisons of 3 CM focus groups, with 8, 9, and 20 undergraduate participants and 2 face-to-face focus groups (7 and 8 undergraduates) shows that the CM environment may lessen participants' concerns about what the moderator thinks of them and reduce withholding…

Describes briefly e-mail and listservs. Discusses the promise and perils of e-mail for teacher-student electronic communication, and shows how listservs can provide solutions for e-mail problems involving communicating with large groups of students. (SR)

Presents a framework for the development of Web-based learning environments that is focused on shared hypermedia, a new form of computer-mediated communication. Highlights include how communication and interaction are changed by computers; changes in training as a result of the Internet; situated action theory; and creating communities of…

Introduces the use of Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) as a methodology to visualize the data in computer-mediated communication. Bases FCA on a mathematical lattice theory and offers visual maps (graphs) with conceptual hierarchies, and proposes use of FCA combined with content analysis to analyze computer-mediated communication. (Author/LRW)

Mentoring is an increasingly important function for career success. Many special groups, however, have difficulty finding a mentor. One solution is virtual mentoring--selecting and interacting with mentors on the Internet. Discusses advantages of virtual mentoring over other forms of mentoring, describes examples of Internet mentoring for various…

Three examples of computer-mediated communication are given: electronic bulletin board for health education workers, distance course for adult literacy practitioners, and electronic meeting for postgraduates in adult education. They illustrate educational issues of telematics: most learners do not have access to leading-edge technology,…

An instructor's reflections on face-to-face and computer-mediated courses clarifies assumptions about teaching and principles of adult education. She concludes that the approach to teaching is fundamentally the same in both methods, but instructional roles and strategies differ. (SK)

Defines a virtual team as a group of people who are working on the same business issue but are located at different geographic sites and rely mainly on some form of technology to facilitate the work discussion. Discusses benefits of virtual teams, including reduced travel costs and organizational efficiency; defining roles; selecting technology…

Presents a rhetorical analysis of the computer mediated communication observed in two Usenet newsgroups. Discusses feminism and computer-mediated communication; the ethos of online discussion; the potential for equality in cyberspace; and discrimination through the use of language. (Contains 48 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the use of wireless technology on college campuses. Explores why colleges may want to use the technology, when they should begin to take it seriously, the culture pushing the change, and how schools should approach wireless technology. (EV)

Describes a study of undergraduate students that assessed the effects of synchronous (Internet chat) and asynchronous (Internet discussion board) computer-mediated communication on subsequent face-to-face discussions. Results showed that face-to-face discussions preceded by computer-mediated communication were perceived to be more enjoyable.…

Discussion of electronic discussion groups as an instructional technique addresses the dilemma of whether instructors should associate assessment schemes with the electronic discussion forum. Presents a coding technique as an example of how assessment can potentially promote substantive electronic discussions. (Author/LRW)

Interviews with employees after videoconferencing facilities were introduced in a multinational corporation revealed that only 10% of 60 trainees felt they needed more training in their use; however, only 9 actually used the facilities for meetings. Concerns about the quality of communication in unstructured meetings and newly established…

Discusses Web sites and Weblogs (or blogs) created by librarians as informal, interactive zines. Considers Web publishing software which makes it easier to start, motivation for self-publishing, and differences from trade publications; and provides a list of librarian blogs and zines. (LRW)

Electronic business is stimulating employment in some sectors across industries, such as computer-related and customer service occupations, and diminishing employment in others, such as administrative support and marketing/sales. Similarly, employment impacts will vary by industry. (Contains 56 notes and references.) (SK)