Increasing Interaction through Computer-Mediated Communication in Distance Education

摘要

This paper reports on the first phase of a research project which aims to support student learning through computer-mediated communication among a group of about 20 students enrolled in an educational management course in the Open University of Hong Kong. It describes the results of a questionnaire designed to collect information on how ready the students are to access a Web-based course. Their interaction patterns in the Discussion Board during the first few months of the implementation are analysed. Some challenges for managing the online communication activities in the institutional context are discussed and the next action steps are then suggested.