| Edited by Dr. David J. Ayersman, Mary Washington
College, and Dr. W. Michael Reed, New York University |
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education
JRTE,
Volume
32, Number 3, Spring 2000
Improving the
Instructional
Congruency of a Computer-Mediated Small-Group Discussion: A Case Study
in Design
and Delivery
Terence C. Ahern
Texas Tech University
Amelia E. El-Hindi
Transylvania University
Abstract
Implementing a change from the traditional
teacher-centered
classroom to one that values collaborative
discourse is
not an easy matter. Traditional practice is well
understood
by teachers and provides a high level of classroom
control.
Computer-mediated communication (CMC) has been
suggested
as one solution to this dilemma. CMC, however, is
not a
monolithic technology; it represents a myriad of
highly
advanced communication delivery systems ranging
from the
mundane to the exotic. The choice of software
designed to
support the collaborative, multivoiced, reciprocal
interaction
of a small-group discussion becomes paramount.
This article
presents an exploratory case study of an
experience in collaborative
discourse mediated through an educationally
designed network-based
application. The study shows that teacher
educators need
to become aware that within computer-mediated
discourse,
all voices have equal force, and it is imperative
to carefully
construct the various activities and experiences
to ensure
effective and appropriate instruction. Further,
this study
is also significant in that it asks us to
reconsider the
role of the software designer. The data
demonstrate that
a theoretical framework can improve the
instructional soundness
of software design.
Web Resources
Note: These links were valid
when this
page was posted. However, the Web is volatile, and
ISTE
has no control over outside Web sites. Please let
us know
if you find a broken link, and we’ll do our
best to
correct it.
Ahern, T. C. (1989–2000). IdeaWeb. Version 2
[Unpublished
computer software]. Available: http://dreammaker.educ.ttu.edu/IdeaWeb/IdeaWeb.html.
Ahern, T. C. (1997). IdeaWeb: The online
seminar [Online
document]. Lubbock: Texas Tech University.
Available:
http://dreammaker.educ.ttu.edu/IdeaWeb/IdeaWeb.html.
Woolley, D. (1996). Choosing Web conferencing
software
[Online document]. Minneapolis, MN: Think
of It.
Available: http://thinkofit.com/webconf/wcchoice.htm.
Contributors
Terence C. Ahern is an associate professor of
instructional
technology at Texas Tech University. Dr. Ahern is
the designer
and developer of the IdeaWeb and is interested in
effective
uses of CMC. Further, he is currently researching
the development
of educationally based Internet protocols.
Amelia El-Hindi is an assistant professor of
curriculum
and instruction at Transylvania University. Dr.
El-Hindi
is interested in effective use and development of
technology
in preservice teacher education.
Address: Dr. Terence C. Ahern, College of
Education, Texas
Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409; dwtca@ttacs.ttu.edu.
A PDF file of the full articles is available. Contact: jrte@iste.org. Please specifiy Volume
and Issue number and article name.
Copyright © 2000, ISTE (International Society for Technology
in Education).
All rights reserved.
| computer-mediated
communication, instructional design, small-group discussion. |
|
