A group of 48 undergraduate business students used computer conferencing for electronic debate. Students agreed that the method influenced critical thinking, and they liked the freedom to participate at any time. They disliked the amount of time involved in notetaking, and some had difficulty keeping track of comments and messages. (SK)

Discusses the conceptual roots of computer-mediated collaboration in real-time networks and the software environments that currently support these networks. Examines the informal and formal electronic-mail networks in the United Kingdom. Speculates on future developments for this emerging technology. (JJK)

Examines commercial communications products that offer electronic mail and special interest forums to determine which would best meet the needs of members of Puppeteers of America and UNIMA (Union International de la Marionette). Services and costs of CompuServe, the WELL (Whole Earth Electronic Link), GEnnie, and Prodigy are described. (MES)

Discussion of computer-based communications (CBC) focuses on issues involved with screen design and layout for electronic text, based on experiences with electronic messaging, conferencing, and publishing within the Australian Open Learning Information Network (AOLIN). Recommendations for research on design and layout for printed text are also…

Analyzes requirements for text-based online conferencing through the use of a minimal prototype. Topics discussed include prototyping with a minimal system; text-based communication; the system as a message passer versus the system as a shared data structure; and three exercises that showed how users worked with the prototype. (Contains 61…

Provides a brief description of Usenet, the computer network, and discusses how it may be applied in library settings. How to become a Usenet user, when to choose Usenet instead of a listserv group, and its use as a discussion and reference tool are covered. Six examples of Usenet communications are included. (nine references) (KRN)

Discusses ways that business communication teachers can enable students to interact with nationally recognized experts for little or no cost by using an educational or corporate institution's existing telecommunications facilities. Describes how a group of students and an expert in nonverbal communication successfully interacted during a…

Comparison of a nursing course delivered by videoconferencing (n=21), administration course via audiographics (n=23), and education course via audioconferencing (n=31) showed that, regardless of the technology, learners were most influenced by instructor's teaching style. The importance of relational and interactive factors in distance teaching…

A videoconference was designed to update rural caregivers on nutrition information provided by a practitioner panel. It was delivered via satellite and public television. Most of the 66 participants were satisfied with the clarity of the material and its applicability; all would attend another videoconference. (SK)

Five teleconferences were held at 6-week intervals following a train-the-trainer workshop for continuing medical education facilitators. Participants felt more prepared to facilitate due to participation in the teleconferences. Teleconferences were an effective way to provide follow-up and reinforcement for workshop participants at a distance.…

Eighteen homebound frail elderly took part in an eight-week teleconference that provided practical information (nutrition, health, social services) as well as stimulated thinking. Quality of life improvements and further interest in education resulted. Teleconferencing proved a cost-effective method of reaching homebound persons. (SK)

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.…

A university consortium developed a continuing-education series for rural Pennsylvania nurses using videoconferencing. The program was well received by participants and proven a viable method of delivery to isolated areas. (SK)

The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service transformed a traditional textile/clothing program into a home-based business program. It was delivered by multiple methods including meetings, printed materials, audiovisual resources, and, in the second phase, videoconferencing. (SK)

Findings of a study of 10 graduate student sin an online course conducted via computer conferencing included (1) the need to familiarize participants with software and ensure access; (2) differences in online and face-to-face communication and participation; and (3) the need for careful structuring and attention to detail in online courses.…