'Let's You and Me Have a Little Discussion': Computer mediated communication in support of campus-based university courses

Abstract
Computer mediated communication (CMC) is increasingly used in support of campus-based university courses. This study focuses upon student-student interaction via CMC in the context of an undergraduate course. The tutor provided the initial structure for the interaction but did not contribute to the on-line discussion at all. Data were collected by individual and group interview, and the electronic exchanges were gathered and analysed. Analysis focused upon (i) patterns of interaction in the various groups, (ii) the influence of the tutor's 'virtual absence', and (iii) the students' and tutor's evaluation of the experience. Some students were repeatedly subjected to on-line criticism by peers. However, most felt that both the CMC experience and the requirement to evaluate it had given them a valuable opportunity to reflect on this approach to learning.

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