Discusses a pilot study using synchronous electronic chats combined with task-based instruction (TBI) to enhance learners' communication skills. TBI focuses on the two-way exchange of information on real-life topics. Shows that computer-mediated communication using less structure-controlled but more open-ended exchange had a significant impact on…

Describes specific experiences and benefits of teaching online. Considers how networking student learners to reduce teacher workload appears to be one of the most important functions for computer-based education. (SG)

Claims the "dot com" trend has pushed new media education to go more technical. Suggests that new media education (including the Internet, e-commerce, multimedia production, and other computer-related communication) refocus on the communicative dimension and new media management. Argues that only based on this understanding can…

Examines demographic variables (gender, age, educational level) and motivation variables (perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, perceived usefulness) associated with Internet usage activities (defined in terms of messaging, browsing, downloading, and purchasing). The questionnaire is appended. (Contains 57 references.) (Author/AEF)

This study seeks a practical understanding of the business, organizational, and technical components of and implementation guidelines needed to effectively deploy extranets. It aims to establish a basic conceptual framework for understanding extranet implementation guidelines. Provides a specific case using VF Playwear, Inc.'s HealthTexbtob.com, a…

Explores social support and community development among 17 members of a computer-supported distance learning program. Reveals the importance of community and its role in supporting the students. Recommends promoting initial bonding, monitoring and supporting continued interaction and participation, and providing multiple means of communication to…

Explores student perceptions of a simulated distance learning environment using the Distributed Tutored Video Instruction (DTVI) system. Finds a high level of perceived effectiveness and satisfaction; and significant relationships were established between facilitator effectiveness and student satisfaction, student motivation and class…

Provides an overview of WebCT, a collection of web-based educational tools that also facilitate course instruction and administration. Discusses instructor benefits and how WebCT enhances student skills in communication technologies. Offers new directions for teaching and learning core topics. (SR)

Explores the ways in which mailing list technology help constitute the specific community of the Writing Center. Attempts to contribute to the practical and theoretical needs of writing centers. Concludes that understanding how these virtual spaces function as a significant part of the rhetorical context of writing centers will provide insight…

Describes the successful use of an interactive, computer-based format supplemented by online chats to provide a two-credit-hour commercial law course at the University of Tennessee College of Law. (EV)

Describes how the University of the South Pacific has created a satellite-based computer network aimed at greatly expanding its offerings to students on remote islands. (EV)

Discusses the merits of regularly scheduled chat room interactions as an important component for Web-based instruction. Topics include asynchronous communication; the importance of interaction; experiences with virtual classrooms; the development of knowledge; advantages of computer-mediated communication; social presence; and student perceptions…

Illustrates how the use of popular electronic communication is resulting in linguistic innovation within new, virtual social networks in a way that reflects more wide-reaching changes in the communication landscape. Suggests that teenagers and young people are in the vanguard of these processes of change as they fluently exploit the possibilities…

Web portals--those online environments that encourage users to trade personal information for the opportunity to personalise the information space--are experiencing a considerable resurgence in popularity. Web portals are web sites that allow users to log on with a username and password and create their very own datastructure. This datastructure…

This article reports on a corpus-based, developmental pedagogical intervention for the teaching of German modal particles (MPs) in which learners examined their own emerging MP use as well as that of their native-speaking keypals in the context of electronically mediated, project-based collaboration. Individual learner development was traced…