Introduces an extension of the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for closed multiparty conferences; the extension expands SIP for discovery of participant identities in a conference, and ensures that each participant is notified before a new participant joins. Verifies this extension by applying it to two SIP conference models. Concludes with an…

Studied social presence in an online learning environment and focused on three elements: social context, online communication, and interactivity: that emerged as important in establishing a sense of community among online learners. Discusses the privacy factor, learner characteristics, computer-mediated communication, and course design.…

Data from the log files of a synchronous, online classroom designed for experiential learning focused on interpersonal communication were analyzed to determine the impact of effective group facilitation on attentiveness, interaction, involvement, and participation. The data demonstrate a social network of interactions and suggest that people…

Discussion of computer-mediated communication in open and distance learning focuses on how learner support of online-intensive and interactive forms of learning and teaching are conceptualized. Topics include virtual learning environments; collaborative learning; interpersonal response; identity; interaction; time and duration; institutional…

Considers the issues related to conducting qualitative inquiries in online settings for distance education and the implications for using electronic means in interviews and observation. Topics include attitudes and perceptions of online learning; epistemological viewpoints of qualitative research; and a comparison of interview techniques,…

Examines a model of professional development including preprofessional, autonomous, collegial, and postprofessional phases. Addresses the importance of reflective practice in moving from autonomous to collegial. Suggests the potential for computer-mediated communication to promote reflective dialogue. (Contains 30 references.) (SK)

Introduces some basic concepts related to the transmission of data from a computer to its peripherals to help distance educators make decisions regarding computer equipment purchases for their institutions. The following data transmission concepts are described: cables, serial and parallel, synchronous and asynchronous, bandwidth, and analog and…

Analysis of behavior on an electronic social space (electronic bulletin boards) revealed complex linages in which a few types of behaviors occurred most frequently. Interpretation indicates that cross-cultural implications for end-user computing involve practical considerations relating to three types of adaptation: technological, work, and…

In a discussion of how universities must deal with distance learning, the viewpoints of a college president of the 1950s are juxtaposed to those of one in 1995 concerning curriculum and methods of teaching. The author proposes distance learning is well on its way to becoming the academic norm. (JKP)

Shows that the content and network communication among health-care professionals involved in an educational program using computer conferences were significantly related to occupational role, with physicians and hospital administrators afforded higher status in computer conferences than nurses. Finds that the effects of occupational status…

Explains the use of satellite connections for Internet access and whether this access route is useful for colleges and universities compared to current traditional connections. Comparison of startup costs and hardware needs are discussed, as as is one college's answer to providing Internet services without the cost, overhead, or installation…

Provides examples illustrating that the study of technologically-mediated communication, if approached from an ethnographic perspective, draws attention to old questions of interactional patterning in what may be radically new contexts of communication. Notes a central issue to be explored, that of the implications of formulating the notion of…

Examines the effects of time scarcity on the way disagreement is managed in synchronous computer conferencing; reports an experiment in which pairs of undergraduates used keyboard-based conferencing software to resolve disputes on two controversial discussion topics under conditions either of time scarcity, or time abundance; and discusses…

Describes a new synchronous collaborative environment that combines interactive learning and Group Support Systems for computer-mediated collaboration. Illustrates its potential to improve critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills, and describes how teachers' roles are changed. (Author/LRW)

Presents and applies a teacher professional-development-oriented analytical framework to provide clarity to the discussion of what role network-based communication may play in teacher professional-development experiences. A table presents a summary of advocacy and adversarial claims in network-based professional development by areas of…