| Computer conferencing systems allow the teacher to use the Internet to correspond with
learners by e-mail, and for learners to correspond with each other. They can obtain
information and share in discussions using electronic bulletin boards, which may have
separate areas for special interest groups. They can also access archived files and take
part in (usually very limited) synchronous communication. Asynchronous computer
conferences are an excellent complement to audio- or videoconferences. The computer
conference is especially appreciated by people learning in a second language, and by
students whose learning style is more reflective than those who excel in the give-and-take
of a classroom.
Some techniques that instructors should learn for facilitating the computer
conferencing component of a course include:
- have each student post a biography at the beginning of class
- create a conference that explains conferencing procedures and
- encourage students to add their own tips and comments
- have students present online "book reports" or project
- results and encourage other students to add comments
- try to keep assignments or comments to a single screen
- read and reply to messages regularly (at least daily)
- establish a positive and helpful tone in replies to messages
- be careful not to deal with private issues in public messages
- send private messages to encourage inactive students
- encourage students to work in teams on-line
- use bulletins to inform students about class progress and
- develop a sense of community
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