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The impacts of technology on communication -mapping the limits of online discussion forums
Matthew Thomas
Presenter's biographical details
Matthew Thomas is currently completing his PhD in the Department of Geographical and Environmental Studies, and the ACUE. His doctoral research has examined in detail the use of new Information and Communication technologies in Higher Education, and has focussed on the impacts of technology-mediated communication on collaborative learning.
Abstract
It is often assumed that Information and Communication Technologies can offer new and improved means of inter-personal communication. Currently, there is also great enthusiasm for the possible application of these new technologies in Higher Education. However, the possible impacts of technology on students' interaction must be addressed. This paper reports on critical evaluations of on-line discussion forums, and provides a detailed analysis of students' on-line communication. It is demonstrated that there are limits to the efficacy of current technologies in supporting collaborative and communicative models of learning. Recommendations are given as to the role of on-line discussion forums in our teaching and learning, and it is suggested that we must be aware of the limitations of technology-mediated discussions.
Web address http://online.adelaide.edu.au/LearnIT.nsf/URLs/technology_and_communication Introduction
There has been a great deal of research in the area of computer-mediated communication over the last decade. The majority of published research focuses on the ways in which such communication can enhance learning and provide new and improved forms of communication. A number of potential benefits of computer-mediated communication have been explored, and these include increased interaction, the provision of non-hierarchical communication
View
Next
The impacts of technology on communication -mapping the limits of online discussion forums
Matthew Thomas
Presenter's biographical details
Matthew Thomas is currently completing his PhD in the Department of Geographical and Environmental Studies, and the ACUE. His doctoral research has examined in detail the use of new Information and Communication technologies in Higher Education, and has focussed on the impacts of technology-mediated communication on collaborative learning.
Abstract
It is often assumed that Information and Communication Technologies can offer new and improved means of inter-personal communication. Currently, there is also great enthusiasm for the possible application of these new technologies in Higher Education. However, the possible impacts of technology on students' interaction must be addressed. This paper reports on critical evaluations of on-line discussion forums, and provides a detailed analysis of students' on-line communication. It is demonstrated that there are limits to the efficacy of current technologies in supporting collaborative and communicative models of learning. Recommendations are given as to the role of on-line discussion forums in our teaching and learning, and it is suggested that we must be aware of the limitations of technology-mediated discussions.
Web address http://online.adelaide.edu.au/LearnIT.nsf/URLs/technology_and_communication Introduction
There has been a great deal of research in the area of computer-mediated communication over the last decade. The majority of published research focuses on the ways in which such communication can enhance learning and provide new and improved forms of communication. A number of potential benefits of computer-mediated communication have been explored, and these include increased interaction, the provision of non-hierarchical communication