TopIntroduction
There are few educational settings in much of today’s world without some form of advanced technology being used. From the introduction of the personal computer in some classrooms in the early and mid-1980s, to today’s students carrying around laptop and tablet computers wirelessly accessing the ever-expanding virtual universe of the Internet, students and teachers are faced with many decisions regarding the use of technology in and out of the classroom. Although technology is ubiquitous in face to face (FtF) as well as online education, when the role of communication technology is discussed in relation to education, most of us initially think of distance education or distance learning. The United States Distance Learning Association (n.d.) defines distance learning on their website as “the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance” (http://www.dltoday.net) reporting that the majority of post-secondary students in the U.S. will participate in online virtual learning at some level by 2011, our understanding of this learning environment, and the technologies that make it possible, is especially important.
The use of computer-based technologies is not only relevant to distance learning, but also has become an important part of traditional education (see Sherblom, 2010). In some instances the same technologies that may be used to deliver instruction in a distance education course today, can be used to enhance the traditional classroom environment. For example, in large classes where face-to-face (FtF) exchanges are limited, technology may provide a means for sharing information and facilitating communication between instructors, students, and others. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) use in the classroom has become a prevalent fixture in education today, according to Thompson (2008). Bejerano’s (2008) research also parallels this changing environment, noting that collegiate classrooms are viewing the Internet as the new medium for instruction.
Many of the technologies used in distance learning and enhanced traditional classrooms are primarily communication technologies. Examples include chat rooms (Kirkpatrick, 2005), virtual worlds (Nesson & Nesson, 2008), discussion boards (Levine, 2007), and videoconferencing (Umphrey, Wickersham & Sherblom, 2008). This communication technology use is consistent with a clear desire for quality interactions in any learning environment. For example, the research indicates the most successful online courses allow for increased access to the instructors and feature more democratic discussions (Swan, 2001). And, among the 10 concepts Janicki and Liegle (2001) associate with effective web-based instruction are a variety of presentation styles, clear feedback, consistent layout, clear navigation, and available online help.