Computer mediated communication in graduate distance education: a qualitative case study

The purpose of this case study was to explore and portray the computer mediated communication (CMC) experience of distance graduate students, faculty and staff in the pilot offering of the course entitled Education 6104 - Foundations of Program Evaluation (H6KJ4) at Memorial University of Newfoundland during the Fall semester of 1995. E6104 was a new graduate education course at Memorial University and for the first time in graduate distance education at Memorial University, CMC was integrated into the course through the use of electronic mail (E-mail). Participants were required to engage in on-line small group and class discussions regarding assigned readings throughout a six week period. Additionally, students were encouraged to communicate with fellow participants, faculty and staff via E-mail. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews of all participants, an attitude survey administered via E-mail and the regular post, and through a content analysis of all course E-mail forwarded voluntarily to the researcher throughout the study by all participants. Participants included the seventeen students, the professor and two on-site coordinators (staff). All respondents but one student indicated that they enjoyed the experience and considered it successful and most worthwhile. Benefits and limitations of the application of E-mail in this environment, from the respondents' perspective, are noted, and recommendations are made concerning E6104 and future applications of E-mail in graduate distance education