The study of computer mediated communication (CMC) systems in organizations is necessary for a complete examination and explanation of organizational culture and communication. Research has shown that the effects of CMC systems have been both positive and negative. Positively, they have helped to augment oral communication. Negatively, they have…

This digest discusses several aspects of electronic networking, including network functions, implementation, and applications in education. Electronic networking is defined as including the four basic services of electronic mail (E-mail), electronic "bulletin boards," teleconferencing, and online databases, and an overview of these four…

This guide is intended to introduce educators to computer conferencing, a new and often misunderstood communications medium. Written for a trainer/instructor to use with a group of classroom teachers, administrators, or other group of professional educators who are unfamiliar with computer conferencing as a teaching medium, the guide provides the…

The Open University from its inception in 1969 has been a technologically based university. It uses technology to deliver high quality, specially designed teaching materials to large numbers of adult students throughout Britain, and increasingly abroad, who study at home. The Open University's teaching system has remained basically unchanged since…

The value of computer teleconferencing, which enables two or more individuals at two or more locations to communicate, is described. In short, computer teleconferencing brings the expert to the student at a time when the student has time to study, and a person can reenter the system at any time that work and home schedules permit. Once a basic…

This examination of the aspects of computers and computer conferencing that can lead to their successful design and utilization focuses on task-related functions and emotional interactions in human communication and human-computer interactions. Such aspects of computer conferences as procedures, problems, advantages, and suggestions for future…

The proceedings from six Public Service Satellite Consortium audioconferences conducted in 1988 provide information on preparing teachers and students for teaching and learning at a distance; costs and benefits of distance education; secrets to success and pitfalls to avoid; technological innovations; international trends; and methods for…

"MIX" is an online publishing service and information exchange from the Educational Management Services Division of McGraw-Hill. Through computer conferencing and electronic mail, MIX provides access to a network of people across the country who are seeking ways to put computers to use to improve the quality of education. MIX is an…

The distance education and instructional technology projects that have been undertaken in Alaska over the last decade are detailed in this paper. The basic services offered by the "Learn Alaska Network" are described in relation to three user groups: K-12 education; postsecondary education; and general public education and information.…

Distance education at Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education (RMIHE) in Australia is addressed in two papers by David Roberts. The first paper, "Approaches to Learning: An Institutional Study," discusses the results of 1984 questionnaires and diaries completed by RMIHE distance education students. Information was sought on how…

The creation of the Virginia Tech Teleport Facility and the installation of a nine-meter (diameter) C-Band satellite uplink antenna provided the initial impetus for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service (VCES) to explore the use of satellite technology for information and program delivery. The $600,000 uplink became operational in September…

The major findings and generalizations of nine separate experiments summarized in this report have come out of a program of research on human factors in telecommunications and teleconferencing systems at Johns Hopkins University. These findings, already published in greater detail in the open literature, relate to (1) how people naturally…

This publication contains more than 50 papers on the latest developments and applications of interactive media to link distant locations. The contributors, who represent business, government, education, medical, and telecommunications organizations in the United States, Canada, England, and Australia, have had direct experience with the full range…

Describes Hawaii University High School's use of a telecommunications satellite to link scientists from around the world with students; use of a communications network to link Michigan social studies classrooms for participation in a political science simulation; and the National Diffusion Network's use of a telecommunications satellite for…

Used teleconferencing to provide three-week long community college course on personality development, values, self-concept, coping, and communication skills to 14 elderly nursing home residents. Five participants chosen to illustrate diverse responses to class all showed increased involvement with others, gains in integration of new dependencies…