Alone But Together

Adult Distance Study Through Computer Conferencing

• Author(s): Daniel V. Eastmond,
• Publisher: Hampton Press
• Pages: 237
• ISBN_10: 1572730307
  ISBN_13: 9781572730304
  
• Language: en
• Categories: Computers / Computer Science , Computers / Educational Software , Computers / Networking / General , Education / Adult & Continuing Education , Education / Computers & Technology , Education / Philosophy, Theory & Social Aspects , Education / Distance, Open & Online Education ,

Description:... As educators increasingly use computer networks to reach out to adult students at a distance, they are confronted with questions about this unknown realm of learning. Why are these distance students attracted to online courses? What are their impressions of the computer conferencing environment? How do they approach learning in an unfamiliar setting utilizing computer resources? What are the dynamics associated with discussions between dissimilar participants of a computer conference? How do online relationships foster learning? What do these and similar technologies mean for us as a society as we live and learn in an information age? Through research that spanned over a year and a half, the author explored these questions by interviewing adult students taking several different computer conference courses. Not only does Alone but Together investigate student perception of learning through this medium, it also presents a model explaining the factors affecting student participation, learning, and success in online courses. The book helps practitioners design and deliver effective distance education through computer conferencing that meets adult learner needs and fits the demands of the online instructional environment.