Computer Conferencing and online education

Abstract

This article proposes a model for viewing computer conferencing within a communications framework. It supplies an overview of how CC is similar to, and yet different from other channels of communication. The capabilities of CC such as synchronous and asynchronous communications and archiving are described. Benefits of CC, such as professional growth, information processing, independence of time and distance are discussed, as are the limitations of the media. Those features most significant to educational uses (i.e., text-based with features of face-to-face communication; promoting student-student and student-instructor interactions) are explained.