An introduction to the Internet relevant to the field of social work is provided. Uses for online communication are described. An overview of applications and a sample of findings regarding the effectiveness of Internet use by students and professional communities are presented. A list of Internet resources is provided. (Author/EMK)

Provides a multidimensional framework of collaboration. Reviews research on e-mail and discusses implications for practice and research with respect to collaboration in the schools. Discusses barriers to collaboration, as well as how e-mail might improve collaboration. Discusses possible future uses of the Internet and e-mail with respect to…

Considers the role of interaction in computer-mediated distance education and questions whether there are adequate opportunities for social interaction. Highlights include a review of research studies on interactivity; student ideas; potential research studies; and a post-discussion summary from the International Forum of Educational Technology…

Discusses the use of synchronous computer-mediated communication (commonly known as "chatting") in the foreign language classroom. Examines both pedagogical and technological factors that can affect the language productivity of second-language learners who engage in chatting activities. (SR)

Considers the design of corporate communications for electronic business and discusses the increasing importance of corporate interaction as companies work in virtual environments. Compares sociological and psychological theories of human interaction and relationship formation with organizational interaction theories of corporate relationship…

Discussion of computer-mediated group problem solving focuses on a study of undergraduates that compared the perceptions of participants, the nature of the comments made, and the patterns of communication in face-to-face and computer conferencing groups in terms of problem-solving activities while solving well-structured and ill-structured…

Presents a case study of a virtual professional community for Israeli educators that is built on four "self-serving" principles: restriction, guidance, involvement, and leadership. Describes the four membership phases and their respective principles, and shows how each of these phases contributed to and advanced the individual members…

With the advent of the Internet, ethnography is being used to study the cultural practices of computer-mediated communication. Examines the nature and boundaries of virtual communities, the social presence of participation, social strategies of entry and membership, and technical utilities of data generation. Discusses ethical issues and areas for…

Examines the discursive construction of identity and power in a Japanese online discourse community by focusing on an email list for Japanese professionals in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Argues that online discourse communities do not diminish hierarchical social relations found in offline discourses but…

Discusses the use of computer mediated communication in distance education to help foster a sense of community among students, encourage group interaction, and keep students and instructors connected. Explains synchronous communication, including chat sessions; and asynchronous communication, including email, listservs, and threaded discussion.…

Explored the feasibility of using Internet Relay Chat (IRC) to facilitate Chinese language teaching and learning. Describes procedures for organizing and conducting chat sessions and discusses the benefits and problems of using IRC. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the importance of shared understanding in group learning and considers ways of assessing shared understanding. Describes a conceptual framework that makes a distinction between the process of reaching shared understanding and the resulting shared understanding, and presents an empirical study of a globally distributed engineering design…

Examines the content, frequency, and pattern of published Internet-based research articles in five leading communication journals to assess how these journals have kept pace with the Internet's influence on the communication process. Finds less than 4% of the 961 articles focused on the Internet, but the total number of Internet-related articles…

Examines four experienced teachers' perceptions of their shifting responsibilities for using technology and what they had to do to adjust to new expectations. Finds that teachers' responsibilities shift considerably when they infuse their classrooms with technology. Notes that teachers must learn the applications for word processing, multimedia…

Discusses the importance of parental involvement in middle-level schools. Describes how an online threaded discussion format can create a virtual community, promoting positive parental involvement. Offers guidelines to consider when using this form of technology. (SR)