Lists and annotates 49 resources for research in the area of computer networks as vehicles for communication. Compiles sources that present research findings, pedagogical approaches, and theoretical discussions related to applications of computer-mediated communication systems--electronic mail, computer conferences, or bulletin boards. (RS)

Discusses the value of collaborative study and describes five undergraduate courses that supported collaborative study practices, four of which used a computer-based conferencing system and one that was paper-based. Highlights include student responses, assessment practices, and tutors' participation style. (LRW)

Presents an experimental approach for devising training measures to help small and medium enterprises in Italy effectively use teleconferencing tools. Highlights include interviews and surveys that determined training needs; computer tools used, including networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web; and guidelines to make training more…

Presents four ways to improve broadcasts of company satellite conferences, including creative site selection (using facilities at educational institutions rather than hotel rooms); creative programming (using graphics and other interruptions to break up lectures or speeches); creative crew selection; and creative downlink site activities (to…

Discusses the principles and components of the University of Southern California's "smart building": the Marshall School of Business. The building's design, learning environment, use of high-tech learning tools, audio/video teleconferencing, and more than 1,100 data/power hookups, making it the most technologically advanced in the…

Suggests that interactive group communication technologies, like computer conferencing, de-industrializes the distance education process and hence increases costs. Discusses constructivism, computer mediated communication, programs at Athabasca University (Canada), and implications for distance and campus-based universities. (Author/LRW)

Describes the directory published by ARL (Association of Research Libraries) that has tracked the development of Internet publishing since 1991. Explores trends in format, distribution, and content of electronic serials; reviews electronic conferences; and discusses peer-reviewed titles, fee-based titles, and subject distribution. (Author/LRW)

Presents an overview of the use of telemedicine technologies and critical access hospitals in rural areas. Discusses changes in rural population, hospital closures, and federal health care policy. Provides anecdotal evidence on the impact of these innovations in rural Montana, which suggests that different health care solutions are needed for…

A study of university nursing students tested the effect of computer conference designs and advance organizers on critical thinking skills. Critical thinking, although not significantly different between three conference groups, was evident for groups in all three conference designs. Those conferences designed to facilitate critical inquiry showed…

In this column, the author describes three very experimental visual display technologies that will affect library collections and services in the near future. While each of these new display strategies is unique in its technological approach, there is a common denominator to all three: better freedom of mobility that will allow people to interact…

The study reported on here explores the claim that computer conferencing is a valuable environment for students to rehearse academic debates and arguments which can then be drawn on in their written assignments. In order to carry out the exploration, the functional linguistic concept of ENGAGEMENT was employed. ENGAGEMENT comprises six sets of…

In order to promote cooperation among students who work separately on their computers at home, the University of Essen has developed training courses with experienced tutors to teach students the required sensitivity and practical skills for tele-collaboration in small groups. A core problem in synchronous collaborative e-learning with speech…

This study uses a quasi-experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of Internet videoconferencing technology. The instructor used a laptop, webcam, high-speed DSL connection, and Polycom[TM] Viewstation to teach a course unit of introductory sociology from a remote location to an experimental group of students in a large multimedia classroom. The…

Regardless of geographical limitations, community partnerships can flourish through videoconference technology. This article presents iDance Arizona (iDA) research as a tool for supporting the teaching and learning of dance in rural settings. This research focuses on university/K-12 collaborations and examines the pedagogy of videoconferencing in…

This paper is a study on the interaction patterns of distance learners enrolled in the Mathematics and Physics programmes of Universiti Sains Malaysia in the videoconferencing learning environment (VCLE). Interaction patterns are analysed in six randomly chosen videoconferencing sessions within one academic year. The findings show there are more…