This paper looks at challenges that face the epistemological model on which formal education is based as a result of the rapid growth in use of new communications and information technologies (CITs). The argument has three parts. The first describes some phenomena associated with the development during recent decades of these new CITs and their…

A study examined how to teach computer skills to future professionals in communications. The context of the study was the communications department in a mid-sized Finnish university. Data was collected on computer use and attitudes to computers and computer-mediated communication by means of surveys and learning journals during the Communications…

Current theories of learning have emphasized the value of dialogue for student engagement and achievement (Cazden, 2001; Bruffee, 1992). Research has also shown that the nature of classroom discourse depends greatly on the teacher (Anderson, Rourke, Garrison, & Archer, W., 2001). These issues are relatively well understood in face-to-face…

Discusses the role of the language media center and the future of the language media profession. Argues that an expanding second-language clientele requires the establishment of new administrative and technical alliances and that teachers need training in hardware as well as an in-depth understanding of how technology use affects teaching and…

Illustrates how print and electronic information/communication formats can enhance, rather than oppose each other. Discusses "IFB Abstracts" and the role of the World Wide Web as a breeding ground for a printed reference annual. Points out the value of "authoritative" print annuals and Web updates and archives. (AEF)

Illustrates how users can take full advantage of the Internet to communicate and to network. Discusses electronic mailing, listservs and Usenet groups; referring cold connections to a Web page; and designing Web pages for maximum information retrieval by search engines. (AEF)

Investigates how members of a Usenet newsgroup value and use news sources. Finds that electronic news sources predominated and that media use was not tied to the user's geographic locale. Raises several questions for future research. (RS)

Finds that student Groupware users are generally satisfied with member contributions and group output but are less satisfied with software-supported, decision-making processes. Suggests that Groupware is a powerful communication tool for support of work groups but that it may not in itself solve the basic problems of getting people to work…

Describes how large-group brainstorming via e-mail at the University of Northern Iowa was used for strategic planning. Discusses factors affecting electronic brainstorming success and the advantages and disadvantages of electronic brainstorming. (AEF)

Semi-structured interviews were used to assess experiences of three children (ages 8-17) with end stage renal failure, including their perceptions of treatment and side effects, coping strategies, and STARBRIGHT World technology, a program that provides peer support through video conferencing with other children. The benefits of STARBRIGHT are…

Explores challenges that the design and realization of Web-based collaborative learning activities present for authors, tutors, and students, and suggests how quality can be assured. Describes a pilot study at a German vocational institution in a business English class that used a chat tool as computer mediated communication. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the lecturer's role as facilitator in a higher education online unit using computer mediated communication that was designed for science and mathematics teachers who were geographically and socially isolated. The goal was to create a networked community of learners that encouraged peer learning and focused on reflective thinking, based…

Describes learning experiences of three students enrolled in a training company's Web-based course on network administration that included a variety of online technologies, including a live virtual classroom, coaches, chat, and bulletin boards, to try and develop an online learning community. Concludes that learners must be taught how to form…

Explores the social dimensions of online learning, including ways in which learners interact and communicate with other learners and tutors using electronic communication networks based on experiences in a Masters program in Scotland. Concludes that the social context of online learning is qualitatively different from face-to-face learning and…

Describes a repeat-measure study that provided data regarding learning styles based on social interaction and perceptions of a scientific collaboratory system from 40 university science students working face-to-face and remotely. Results showed students with strong competitive learning style preference had slightly more positive perceptions of the…