Amplified Interaction I am not opposed to lectures as a teaching method, but a major restriction of computer-mediated instruction is that it does not lend itself to lecturing. Rather it provides a means to enhance substantially interaction between teacher and student and among the students. Idaho State University's student body has a high percentage of commuters and a significant percentage of those who attend part-time. It used to upset me that my office hours were never convenient for all students, and that many of those with after- class questions had to rush to jobs or childcare responsibilities. The great problem is that there is as yet no clear understanding of the impact of asynchronous interaction on the instructor's time nor how best to limit and organize the potentially increased student demands on their instructors.
Collaboration is greater, and participation in more equitable.
Because of its design flexibility and its easy access and use, the MOO is a particularly valuable environment for such interactions. Collaborative Learning and Teaching Computer-mediated education provides much greater opportunities for collaboration, and it is this aspect that is perhaps the most poorly developed among those using Internet resources. Moreover, students need to have experiences and be directed toward resources as a basis for life-long learning. Computer-mediated communications permit individuals and groups to cooperate on an international basis to provide the necessary opportunities. If it can be organized, the broadened collaboration possible through computer- mediated distance learning could greatly enhance the educational experiences of all involved.