Title :
Enhancing computer mediated communication in virtual learning environments
Author :
Dafoulas, Georgios A.
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Comput. Sci., Middlesex Univ., London, UK
Abstract :
The aim of this paper is to present a study for the communication patterns evident in computer mediated communication in e-learning online communities. For the first time in this paper a list of factors affecting communication patterns within online communities is presented. A key concern of the study is twofold: first to define the correlation between patterns of communication and the affecting factors and second to suggesting criteria for designing successful learning activities. This study is concerned with an initial analysis of student interaction in three residential modules (approximately 1500 posts) that is currently followed by the analysis of threaded discussions of 32 online modules of a distance education programme.
Keywords :
computer aided instruction; distance learning; virtual reality; communication pattern; computer mediated communication; distance education programme; e-learning online community; online module; residential module; student interaction; virtual learning environment; Asynchronous communication; Communication system control; Computer mediated communication; Computer networks; Computer science education; Context; Control systems; Distance learning; Electronic learning; Pattern analysis;
Conference_Titel :
Advanced Learning Technologies, 2005. ICALT 2005. Fifth IEEE International Conference on
Print_ISBN :
0-7695-2338-2
DOI :
10.1109/ICALT.2005.138
