Collaborating in Cyberspace: Using Computer Conferences as a Group Learning Environment

Abstract

Cyberspace technologies both enable and require new forms of group communication. This article explores the use of one cyberspace technology, computer conferencing, to support collaborative learning in university‐level credit courses, giving particular attention to instructional designs for online group processes and tasks. Data analysis of graduate and undergraduate courses delivered primarily or partially online suggests that intentional structuring of computer conferences—such as in the definition of individual, paired and small group tasks, and the definition of subgroup and whole group discussion—facilitated and increased active student input, peer interaction, and intellectual work. At the same time, the medium was found incomplete: organization of the collaborative work was not contextualized within the operating system, and instructors and learners found it necessary to provide information management outside the operating environment. The paper concludes by suggesting that structures and tools are needed to support specific teacher and learning activities in cyberspace contexts.

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