A Review of Computer-Mediated Communication for Distance Education: Teaching and Design Considerations.

Wells, Rosalie

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is one of the most recent technologies to be adopted for use in distance education. It provides the means to establish an electronic classroom that is accessible to participants separated by physical distance or time. The literature on CMC is as varied as are the many applications. Most CMC publications are either general descriptions of the medium or projections of new applications within educational and corporate institutions. This review, however, focuses on a small subset of publications with findings and recommendations derived from empirical studies about the use of CMC for distance education. Some findings from these studies are sufficiently robust that they suggest some general trends. While CMC is found to be an ideal medium for fostering discussion among distance students and enhancing participation rates, it is observed that a sufficient critical mass of students and a facilitative teaching style are essential to fostering and maintaining online dialog. Because success in a CMC course is dependent, in large part, on convenient access to a computer, institutions are exploring different ways to increase computer accessibility. (Contains 75 references.) (SLD)