Resumen de Educational Effectiveness and the Computer Conferencing Interface

Dave Collins, Stephen J. Bostock

• Computer conferencing can be a medium for educationally valuable communication, especially for students on distance learning courses. Difficulties which prevent students gaining the full benefits of conferencing are described, many of which are due to the human interface provided by conferencing software on text terminals. A graphical interface has been developed which avoids many of the difficulties. This software runs on local computers under Microsoft Windows and handles connection and subsequent communication with the conferencing software running on a remote host computer. Students can use it on‐line, or off‐line with a local copy of a conference which is automatically updated on connection. The interface is integrated with other applications used by students.