In this paper, we discuss the coordination problems in computer-mediated communication (CMC), and propose the concept of conditional anonymity as a potential solution. To support the concept, we briefly introduce our former project, changing the focus to the social impact of conditional anonymity. Finally, we discuss future challenges based on the experience.

This study examines e-mail response latency as an expectancy violation and explores its impact. Managers evaluate job candidates who varied in their response latency to an e-mail (1 day, 2 weeks, and silence for more than a month) and in their reward valence. As predicted by expectancy violations theory, candidate reward valence moderates the effect of response latency on variables such as appl...

In this paper, the authors first review the different kinds of analysis methods used by researchers to assess students’ learning outcomes and processes to propose a categorization framework that can be applicable for assessment methods of CSCL discourse irrespective of the theoretical underpinning of the assessment method. A conceptual design for the construction of a suite of learnable content...

The role of immediate feedback in-group conversations has received scant attention in the recent literature. While studies from the early 1990’s suggested that “added information” in the form of non-verbal cues would allow video conferencing to “augment” the audio-only conference in terms of effectiveness, stunningly little follow-on research has been done reflective of the current state of com...

This research explores the ability of grade 2 students to engage in productive discussion about the state of their knowledge building using group-level feedback tools to support their metadiscourse. Two aspects of knowledge work were common to the comparison and experimental classes: BKnowledge Building talk^ (KB talk) involving teacher-student discussions and the use of Knowledge Forum, an onl...

This paper reports the results of an experiment where anonymous and identified comment groups discussed five ethical issues via computer-mediated communication (CMC). The results suggest that comment anonymity leads to more participation and less change in opinion than comment identification, while equality of participation and post-discussion agreement do not differ. Further analysis of the ch...

The use of information technology to enhance classroom learning and deliver corporate training is the latest trend and focus of much research in the computer-mediated communication (CMC) and development industry. Technological advances continue to alter the various ways in which academic and organizational training is facilitated and conducted. This paper presents a review of the available lite...

A question associated with the introduction of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is whether all participants profit equally from working in CSCL environments. This article reports on a review study into gender-related differences in participation in CSCL. As many of the processes in CSCL are similar to those in computer-mediated communication (CMC), studies into CMC are also incl...

This paper reports on some of the components of person to person communication mediated by computer conferencing systems. Transcripts from two systems were analysed: the Electronic Information and Exchange System (EIES), based at the New Jersey Institute of Technology; and Planet, based at Infomedia Inc. in Palo Alto, California. The research focused upon the ways in which expressive communicat...