A study explored the efficacy of the general semantic technique of E-Prime (a technique for increasing awareness of abstraction through the deliberate deletion of all forms of the verb "to be") through a study of copula deletion (omission of auxiliary verbs) and flaming (the fervent exchange of emotionally charged messages) in electronic…

New technologies brought about by the computer are causing writing to take on more and more the features of orality. The computer's emphasis on speed reduces or even eliminates distance, which is one of the key features of orality. Orality is immediate and relies on assumptions, on gaps to be filled in by the auditor. It is also "socially…

A study examined the variables that influence the use of electronic mail. The Uses and Gratifications perspective was employed to determine the antecedent factors that motivate individuals to engage in electronic mail communication. Subjects, 105 students enrolled in graduate-level courses at a small midwestern university and 252 individuals who…

Communication via computer networks is becoming more common each day. The differences between computer-mediated communication and face-to-face communication fall into three categories: (1) temporal factors (asynchronous versus synchronous); (2) spatial factors (geographical context and distance); and (3) social factors (participants, their…

A survey of companies using telecommunications equipment investigated the distribution of channel selection and the use of external mail distribution systems. A total of 50 companies responded to the survey, which identified 12 telecommunications systems and seven external mail distribution systems. Results indicated that the four most popular…

The paper reports on the development of videotex services appropriate for the communication needs of hearing-impaired and speech-impaired persons in France. The videotex service, called TELETEL, serves 3.8 million business and home users with approximately 8,500 services through the public telephone network and packet switching network. TELETEL…

The most common consequence of setting up an "electronic discussion group" for a university class or a group of faculty is a flurry of initial greetings followed by an enduring silence. Only a small proportion of computer users are active and sophisticated enough to read regularly and feel disposed to participate actively. Written…

This paper presents the experiences of educators at North Georgia College and State University while developing learning communities connecting the two disciplines of biology and English in the teaching of writing and editing within the scientific context. The paper states that for seven semesters English grammar and composition courses have been…

This action research study focused on electronic exchanges initiated by students who were asked to reflect and enter narratives that expressed their thoughts, feelings, and questions. The study was conducted through a systematic recursive cycle of identifying the idea or problem area, studying it by gathering data, and reflecting on the data in…

A study examined communication selection within virtual organizations and the effects of these media. The subjects, who were 681 participants from 3 separate virtual organizations that used face-to-face communication, telephone, documents, voice mail, and electronic mail, completed a survey instrument. Follow-up interviews were conducted with key…

This paper reports findings from a comprehensive evaluation of the first national electronic mentoring program that matches female engineering students with mentors working in industry. The program being evaluated--MentorNet--uses a combination of on-line tools, computer databases, mentoring specialists, and campus and industrial contacts to…

The internet has been considered the world's largest experiment in chaos. This paper presents a look at Internet applications and some considerations for preparing materials for utilizing these applications. The goal of the paper is to help bring order to the chaos and allow preparation of materials for Internet distribution by informing about the…

This document discusses how students and schools can benefit from exchanging computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) files over the Internet, explains how files are exchanged, and examines the problem of selected hardware/software incompatibility. Key terms associated with information search services are defined, and several…

A study examined the strategic behaviors of email users when they are reading online email messages. Three voluntary subjects (an undergraduate student and 2 graduate students) read a group of 24 email messages collected through a listserv discussion group. The messages were collected over a period of 1 month concentrating on one theme. Subjects…

A study examined conversations of 10 "avid" female quilters from around the United States who communicate via e-mail. Results indicated that their conversations reveal ways in which they are using this modern technology in the construction of their feminine quilt artist identities. While most of the e-mail was devoted to the business of…