A proper computer conferencing system can allow everyone can contribute freely. A CMC course needs to be held over a longer time-frame than a f2f course. In this activity the instructor moderates a general discussion. The starting discussion is used to allow everyone to get to know one another by sharing personal profiles with the other students and instructors. Later, in the main part of the course, specialised sub-group areas are formed for the discussion of individual content components.
Students post their responses during the course of a week.
The students also comment on the responses made, often in a separate branch of the conference. At the end of the week the moderator summaries the results, which is further discussed by the group. Guest lecturer An outside 'speaker' is invited to discuss a particular topic. They would need to introduce the topic, in lecture fashion, which is then open for questions and discussion. The guest speaker needs to be knowledgeable in the subject matter and also have some computer conferencing skills.