Students can participate in a whole group conference, in smaller group discussion or cooperative work groups. Separate work journals can also be maintained so that multiple levels of interaction can be simultaneously provided. There are interpersonal and group dynamics that are affected by the types of interactions mediated by the conference. Students are also able to interact with those who may be physically challenged as well as other students who may live in different geographical regions and very different communities. The different perspectives and life experiences brought by each member of the conference adds to the broadened outlook gained by the course participants through the discourse.
Students learn how to network with each other.
Especially at graduate levels, these can be professionals from the same disciplines who have not had this opportunity before. This networking can continue after the class session is over through the use of e-mail and real time chat software. In-service teachers often voice feelings of isolation due to the demands on their time. Asynchronous networking for these professionals enables conversations and collegiality to develop across time and space. Administrative concerns often center on time and access.