Discussions of distance education courses develop according to needs/interests of conference participants, course requirements, and nature of the instructor's online facilitation. Findings of this research suggest other factors. Analysis of threads and their growth patterns reveals a bias in favor of elongated note structures, explained by a…

Discusses design factors for using one-way video and audio, one-way video with two-way audio, and two-way video and audio in adult education. Considerations for audio quality, lighting, room arrangement, seating comfort, and decor are presented with illustrations. (SK)

Discussion of computer-mediated communication (CMC) focuses on attempts to utilize CMC in graduate level courses. Highlights include uses of CMC as conference systems, information systems, online journals, and social communication systems; electronic mail as a distance education medium; the contribution of hypertext to CMC; and sample messages…

Presented is information about the National Science Teachers Association computer bulletin board, Science Line. Described are the features of the service and how teachers may gain access. (CW)

Describes various stages involved in the applications of electronic media to the publishing industry. Highlights include computer typesetting, or photocomposition; machine-readable databases; the distribution of publications in electronic form; computer conferencing and electronic mail; collaborative authorship; hypertext; hypermedia publications;…

Describes an interactive television network utilizing two-way audio and video. Notes a local cable television company donated three forward and three return channels to the project. Indicates students and teachers at different high school locations were able to see and hear each other. (MVL)

This paper analyzes electronic mail and its role in adult education, identifies research on the educational implications of electronic mail, and discusses theoretical issues from an economic, psychological, and sociological perspective. (SK)

An online discussion of information technology use in higher education is excerpted here. Comments were elicited on the need for a different support infrastructure for "mainstream" faculty than for "early adopters" of information technology. A sampling of 26 responses is presented. Information on joining the discussion group is also provided. (MSE)

Discusses the following conditions that affect the quality of distance education for instructors and learners: mediation of technology, challenging administrative arrangements for remote sites, absence of visual channels of communication, and geographical dispersal of instructor and learners. Provides guidelines and activity suggestions for each…

Describes a qualitative study conducted with graduate students at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) to describe patterns of computer-mediated communication (CMC) usage and to explore alternative ways of describing users of communication systems. Patterns of CMC usage are described, and dynamics of online communication are…

Discussion of the Just-in-Time Open Learning (JITOL) project supported by the European Commission in its DELTA Programme considers attributes of open learning and the main tasks of learners and tutors. Information technology-based tools for open learning are described and related to these tasks, and planned JITOL user trials are summarized. (17…

Describes the Bangkok Project, a successful application of electronic mail and computer conferencing networks to support professional development in the field of distance education. The development of the computer conference to supplement a face-to-face conference in Bangkok is explained, and conference format and nature of interactions are…

Discusses the use of computer conferencing in education; addresses difficulties involved in conferencing software, including computer literacy, the communications technology, the conferencing interface, integration with other software, and limitations on access; and describes FICS (Friendly Interface to Conferencing System) that was developed at…

An Italian program providing professional training at a distance for French second-language teachers in Italy is described briefly. The program used teleconferencing to link regional programs for instructional sessions on specific themes. Because of positive response, the program will be continued. (MSE)

Presents a phenomenological study of student experience in a computer conference learning environment. Issues for students in conferences revolved around spatial disorientation. Students grappled with getting into a computer space, familiarity of use, getting stuck, and the class as a necessary evil within spatial issues. (Author/PVD)