The Effects of Computer Mediated Communication on Computer-Based Training

Student performance using computer-based training (CBT) may be related to the degree of interaction that occurs between students and the instructor, or between students and each other. This is significant in that the individualized nature of CBT (and perhaps Web-based training) is contrary to the social interaction needs of students. Using relevant pedagogical and social communication theories as a basis, this study employed empirical research methods on undergraduate participants to achieve the following objectives: to explore the use of computer mediated communication (CMC) as a surrogate for faceto-face interaction with CBT students, and to provide research-based recommendations for human resource development (HRD) managers charged with deployment of these and related technologies. The research results showed that undergraduate CBT participants who were sent personalized email once per week performed significantly better than participants who were sent no email.