The Center for Distance Learning of Empire State College (New York) is piloting online study by offering a course in contemporary American diplomacy entirely through the use of computer conferencing and electronic mail. The computer is used to create a learning environment where course participants can interact with each other and with the instructor, thus overcoming the isolation of the independent learner. In the three months the pilot has been online, it has demonstrated that computer conferencing can extend many of the learning opportunities of the classroom to distance and independent study. In addition, the written work submitted by members of this course was found to be superior, both as to breadth of research and quality of analysis, to work submitted by a previous non-computer class. It has been concluded that, rather than diminishing the intensity and flexibility of learning on one's own, computer conferencing enhances independent study by providing peer interaction. Although Empire State College's experience with the electronic seminar has been singularly positive, replicators should be aware of the fact that the input of each student is treated as a discrete unit rather than as part of a synthesized whole. Instructional developers should also be sure that the medium, content, and instructional objectives are a "pedagogical fit," and keep the interaction with the computer at a simple level that will facilitate participation and dialogue. (Author/EW)