Compares one form of synchronous computer-mediated communication, Daedalus InterChange, with analogous spoken and written corpora. Finds that the InterChange discourse mode is not merely intermediate between speaking and writing; rather the electronic medium uniquely fosters some behaviors and inhibits others, in support of the view that physical…

Discusses newsgroups, listservs, and Web-based discussion groups. Highlights include major categories of international USENET discussion groups; newsgroups versus mailing lists; newsreaders; news servers; newsgroup subscriptions; newsgroups versus Web discussion groups; linking newsgroups, mailing lists, and the Web; and setting up a news host. A…

Explores ethical issues heightened by use of technology, and examines a means for managing these ethical concerns. Argues that ethical problems are not inherent in technological advances, but rather it is how human beings choose to use these new tools that may lead to ethical dilemmas in business contexts. (SR)

Focuses on online newsgroup gender composition and the seeming relatedness between gender roles and group process functions described as task and maintenance. Finds that men far outnumber women as participants in online discussion groups. Notes that results were mixed with respect to the relation of language patterns and group gender composition.…

Examines the frequency, form, and tone of reproaches for misconduct on five newsgroups. Finds that few individuals responded publicly to their reproachers and that complete "traditional" remedial episodes in Usenet were relatively rare. Concludes tentatively that different offense types elicit reproaches which vary in form and tone.…

Proposes that a useful perspective for studying group computer-mediated communication is the theoretical construct of interactivity. Examines a representative snapshot of communication among the very large groups populating the networks. Finds that conversations are less confrontational than popularly believed: conversations are more helpful and…

Examines copyright issues surrounding media workers quoting and using sources obtained from computer networks, bulletin boards, and electronic mail. States that some recent legal cases and the Clinton Administration are beginning to address the issue of copyright in cyberspace, but that media workers are moving in uncharted waters when they quote…

Finds that just over 60% of a random sample of people in an Internet newsgroup reported forming a personal relationship with someone they had first contacted through a newsgroup. Shows that nearly two-thirds of those whose personal relationship began online chose to have other forms of contact as well. (SR)

Describes the scope of the Kentucky Authors Project, which involved 4th through 11th graders and 7 teachers at 5 Kentucky schools. Names the participating authors and schools. Presents lessons learned from the project and guidelines for assembling similar projects. (PA)

The meaningful nature of online discussion was explored in 31 survey responses and 10 interviews with nursing students. Eight patterns of interpretation of online experience were exemplified by themes of engagement theory (relating, creating, donating), with positive and negative outcomes for each. (Contains 34 references.) (SK)

Collaborative research on distance education in the United States, Mexico, and Cyprus led to a conceptual framework for the study of technology-mediated instruction. Findings included the following: online interaction might be slower and less rich and immediate, but in some aspects it is as good as or superior to face-to-face interaction.…

Investigates language productivity in foreign language learner output obtained via two different modes of computer-mediated communication: Asynchronous and synchronous. Examined which form of CMC would be more effective in increasing language productivity in foreign language learning, and which form of CMC participants would prefer. (Author/VWL)

Discussion of text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) focuses on a study that explored CMC in communication misunderstandings. Considers the lack of nonverbal cues, language and cultural barriers, and differences from face-to-face communication, and includes a copy of the questionnaire used in the study. (LRW)

Discusses some of the rich possibilities for students to engage in communication through the Internet. Offers a cautionary tale, one that sets the scene for fostering effective student communication. Describes Internet resources for engaging students in online communication, and presents ideas for curricular integration. (RS)

Surveys, notes, and transcripts from 35 business administration students participating in group learning via chat rooms were analyzed. Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that electronic conferencing can effectively support groups in reflection, collective inquiry, and skillful discussion. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)