Discussion of asynchronous communication technology focuses on a pilot project in the English for Academic Purposes program at the University of Alberta where two courses incorporated a voice-based conferencing tool to improve their oral skills. Describes the evaluation survey that tested student reactions and investigated course effectiveness.…

Describes Web conferencing in a staff development program for lecturers at the University of Southampton (United Kingdom), designed to enhance the quality of learner support in higher education through the use of learning technologies. Highlights include use of the Web conference; perceived usability; appropriate use; and whether it influenced…

Chronicles the experiences of teachers and elementary students from the United States and Costa Rica as they participated in a videoconferencing project, initiated by Costa Rican students and made possible by CATE, Center for Applied Technologies in Education. Notes that the distance learning experience enhanced academic, technological and…

Examines the quality of asynchronous interaction in Web-based conferencing among preservice teachers. The study combines asynchronous conferencing with peer and mentor collaboration to electronically apprentice student learning. Results point out different levels of Web-based discussion: higher-level, progressive, and lower-level discussion. A…

Explored the relationship between asynchronous, text-based forms of social communication and students' perceptions of the social climate of computer conferences based on questionnaire responses from the University of Alberta's distance education courses. Discusses setting the climate for discussion; a taxonomy of social expressions; and directions…

The Open University experience demonstrates how the use of computer conferencing can facilitate mutual help among students and enhance the teacher's role. Other functions include support for discussion that can replace teaching materials, assessment of students on the basis of contributions to conferences, teaching essay writing skills, and use of…

Describes the activities of KIDLINK, an international electronic conferencing system that was developed to establish communication between children 10 to 15 years old around the world using the Internet and other computer networks. A list of local KIDLINK contacts in 29 countries is included. (LRW)

Reports on a descriptive study of the effects of remoteness on the attitude levels of secondary school students taking audiographic teleconferencing courses. Attitudes of students taking courses on site with a teacher were compared to those of students taking the courses at remote locations. No significant differences were found. (52 references)…

The University of Michigan uses computer teleconferencing to extend classroom interaction beyond classroom hours and space. Using this computer conference to present, explore, and discuss medical ethics issues makes students active, thoughtful participants and makes discussion easier. Current case materials are presented before classroom…

Describes the development of strategies and software to help people work collaboratively while at a distance from one another. The importance of collaborative activities, the shared spaces concept behind groupware, examples of software that support synchronous and asynchronous group activities, and design issues for educational groupware are…

Discussion of electronic mail and computer-mediated communication focuses on local bulletin board systems (BBSs) that run on microcomputers. Uses in education and businesses are described, computer requirements and costs are outlined, bulletin board software is discussed, and echo networking is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

This article, in a series on computer technology and distance education, focuses on "Type II Technology," courses using textbooks and course guides for primary delivery, but enhancing them with computer conferencing as the main vehicle of instructional communication. Discusses technology proficiency, maximizing learning in conferencing…

This report explores electronic conferences as a medium in which community can develop among graduate students. Highlights include research in distance education, research in computer-mediated communication, learning outcomes, reflective thinking, community, professional socialization, and differences between individuals who posted entries to the…

Analyzes the experiences and experiments of the Open University (OU), United Kingdom, in the use of computer conferencing over 10 years. Provides a framework for considering educational uses of the medium and describes several innovative applications. Highlights the main issues involved in implementing this technology. (Author)

Describes the potential of a FirstClass server in audioconferencing courses at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks using telecommunications, e-mail, student-to-student interaction, submission of assignments, e-mail, timely instructor feedback, and the transfer of files and multimedia documents. Student surveys indicated some positive aspects of…