Designing Asynchronous, Text-Based Computer Conferences

Abstract

Asynchronous computer conferencing refers to the use of computer software and a network enabling participants to post messages that allow discourse to continue even though interactions may be extended over days and weeks. Asynchronous conferences are time-independent, adapting to multiple time zones and learner schedules. Such activities as free-flowing discussion, structured seminars, peer counseling, collective databases, group projects, and community decision making are often used in computer conferences. All these activities can be designed to be authentic and realistic and, therefore, have the potential to support knowledge exploration and construction for students. The ten research-based suggestions provided by this paper are an attempt to group theories and research findings important to the effective design of computer conferences. Descriptions concerning the interactive literature review method and the procedures for analyzing and selecting the appropriate data of the study are provided. Finally, possible strategies, activities and potential barriers pertaining to each of these suggestions are discussed.