Collaborative work networks among distributed learners

This paper examines collaborative work networks and media use among a class of distributed university distance learners. Social network data on interactions via each of the available media were gathered at three times during the term. Class members made most use of Webboard, IRC, Email and face-to-face meetings. Results showed that media filled different niches in the collaborative work patterns of this distributed group and suggest that while some media were almost exclusively providing support for project work (e.g., Email), others came to provide the type of class-wide interaction that supports the exposure to ideas and experiences of others that is a requirement for collaborative learning (e.g., IRC, face-to-face).