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Friday, November 30, 2007

Moodle Bugathon Opened to Finalize New Release

Some people have been wondering, "Where is Moodle 1.9"?

According to Martin Dougiamas, founder and main developer of the open source course-management system, "It is still being polished". Testers and developers are invited to join the finalizing process.
Read more...



Related link
Join the Moodle Bugathon

Source: CHECKpoint eLearning
Posted by at

Moodle Bugathon Opened to Finalize New Release

Some people have been wondering, "Where is Moodle 1.9"?

According to Martin Dougiamas, founder and main developer of the open source course-management system, "It is still being polished". Testers and developers are invited to join the finalizing process.
Read more...



Related link
Join the Moodle Bugathon

Source: CHECKpoint eLearning
Posted by at

eLearn Magazine Top Stories

Don't miss these stories about Learning and Online Teaching.

The Reluctant Online Professor
By Cynthia L. Corritore, Ph.D., Creighton University

Cynthia Corritore, associate professor of information technology at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, once had a bad experience translating a college course to the online realm. When the task came around to her again, what did Corritore do? She took the bull by the horns and fashioned an e-learning course so effective, neither she nor her students can imagine taking it back to the non-virtual classroom.

About the Author
Cindy Corritore has a Ph.D. in Computer Science and is an Associate Professor of Information Technology in the College of Business Administration at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She has been teaching online and onsite for over twenty years, and is very interested in higher educational teaching strategies and human-computer interaction issues as they affect how we learn and work.

Dialogue-Intensive Learning
By Richard Dool, D.Mgt, Assistant Professor, Seton Hall University

The discussion element of an online course, in theory, is the "classroom" where much of the instructor-student and student-student interaction takes place. To a large degree it is intended to approximate the on-campus class experience. But as most online instructors know, the online discussions, if designed appropriately, can far exceed the interactions in the campus classroom.
I have learned, however, that not all online discussions are created equally. In my online experiences—which include teaching in four different online programs as well as completing two master's and part of my doctorate online—I have witnessed three types of online discussions: the "Q&A" model, the "1-plus" model, and the "dialogue intensive" model.

About the Author
Dr. Richard Dool is an educator, consultant and senior executive with more than 20 years of diverse senior management experience including 15 years as a CEO, leading an $800M division of a Fortune 20 company, rescuing a company from near bankruptcy, leading the acquisition or divestiture of 10 companies and managing companies in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Hong Kong, India and Australia. He is on the faculty at Seton Hall University and teaches in the graduate communication program where he focuses on leadership communication, distance learning and change management.

Posted by at

eLearn Magazine Top Stories

Don't miss these stories about Learning and Online Teaching.

The Reluctant Online Professor
By Cynthia L. Corritore, Ph.D., Creighton University

Cynthia Corritore, associate professor of information technology at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, once had a bad experience translating a college course to the online realm. When the task came around to her again, what did Corritore do? She took the bull by the horns and fashioned an e-learning course so effective, neither she nor her students can imagine taking it back to the non-virtual classroom.

About the Author
Cindy Corritore has a Ph.D. in Computer Science and is an Associate Professor of Information Technology in the College of Business Administration at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She has been teaching online and onsite for over twenty years, and is very interested in higher educational teaching strategies and human-computer interaction issues as they affect how we learn and work.

Dialogue-Intensive Learning
By Richard Dool, D.Mgt, Assistant Professor, Seton Hall University

The discussion element of an online course, in theory, is the "classroom" where much of the instructor-student and student-student interaction takes place. To a large degree it is intended to approximate the on-campus class experience. But as most online instructors know, the online discussions, if designed appropriately, can far exceed the interactions in the campus classroom.
I have learned, however, that not all online discussions are created equally. In my online experiences—which include teaching in four different online programs as well as completing two master's and part of my doctorate online—I have witnessed three types of online discussions: the "Q&A" model, the "1-plus" model, and the "dialogue intensive" model.

About the Author
Dr. Richard Dool is an educator, consultant and senior executive with more than 20 years of diverse senior management experience including 15 years as a CEO, leading an $800M division of a Fortune 20 company, rescuing a company from near bankruptcy, leading the acquisition or divestiture of 10 companies and managing companies in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Hong Kong, India and Australia. He is on the faculty at Seton Hall University and teaches in the graduate communication program where he focuses on leadership communication, distance learning and change management.

Posted by at

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Cisco Grant To Assist Math Education Development by Dave Nagel


The MIND Research Institute, a non-profit education research and publishing organization, said this week that it's received a $500,000 cash grant from the Cisco Foundation...
The MIND Research Institute is the developer of the ST Math series of technology-based educational software, which until recently targeted only elementary-level math. In October the company expanded that line to include an e-learning tool for middle- and high-school students called ST Math: Algebra Readiness Supplemental, which focuses on students in grades 6 and higher in need of math intervention. The ST Math software uses game-based instruction to lead students through math concepts aligned with individual state standards and to develop problem-solving skills.

Related links

About Mind

Mind Research Institute is dedicated to education program excellence and cutting edge scientific research. The Institute has successfully transferred more than 30 years of breakthrough brain and learning research into applied education programs for K-12 students. MIND Research continually improves its programs through data mining over 20 million student sessions and 9 years of standardized math test results, and publishes its scientific and educational research. Standardized test results have shown remarkable increases for participating students.

Posted by at

Cisco Grant To Assist Math Education Development by Dave Nagel


The MIND Research Institute, a non-profit education research and publishing organization, said this week that it's received a $500,000 cash grant from the Cisco Foundation...
The MIND Research Institute is the developer of the ST Math series of technology-based educational software, which until recently targeted only elementary-level math. In October the company expanded that line to include an e-learning tool for middle- and high-school students called ST Math: Algebra Readiness Supplemental, which focuses on students in grades 6 and higher in need of math intervention. The ST Math software uses game-based instruction to lead students through math concepts aligned with individual state standards and to develop problem-solving skills.

Related links

About Mind

Mind Research Institute is dedicated to education program excellence and cutting edge scientific research. The Institute has successfully transferred more than 30 years of breakthrough brain and learning research into applied education programs for K-12 students. MIND Research continually improves its programs through data mining over 20 million student sessions and 9 years of standardized math test results, and publishes its scientific and educational research. Standardized test results have shown remarkable increases for participating students.

Posted by at

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

First Issue of the New “International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies” (iJIM).

As I have mentioned before take a look at this paper, appears in Vol 1, No 1 (2007), edition of International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM).

Mobile e-Learning Course Scenario Model on PDA
J. Schreurs
Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium

Abstract

Web-based services mobile learning can enable collaborative learning and access to different information sources in actual problem-solving situations. The PDA’s are now designed to be smaller and sleeker and are popular due to its portability and facility for wireless connection. Handheld computers can become an integral part of the learning activities. But due to the very small screen, limited memory capacity and a large diversity of mobile devices, a handheld seems to obstruct a good learning experience. Handling of learning materials is a challenge. Experimentation with learning path scenarios and based on the e-mindmap concept is set forward here.

Related link

Posted by at

First Issue of the New “International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies” (iJIM).

As I have mentioned before take a look at this paper, appears in Vol 1, No 1 (2007), edition of International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM).

Mobile e-Learning Course Scenario Model on PDA
J. Schreurs
Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium

Abstract

Web-based services mobile learning can enable collaborative learning and access to different information sources in actual problem-solving situations. The PDA’s are now designed to be smaller and sleeker and are popular due to its portability and facility for wireless connection. Handheld computers can become an integral part of the learning activities. But due to the very small screen, limited memory capacity and a large diversity of mobile devices, a handheld seems to obstruct a good learning experience. Handling of learning materials is a challenge. Experimentation with learning path scenarios and based on the e-mindmap concept is set forward here.

Related link

Posted by at

Software Strikes a Chord for Disabled Students: From eSchool News

Demo Video by Zane Van Dusen

University project enables physically challenged students to create music using technology
A program developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) allows students with severe physical disabilities to create music just by moving their heads. A digital video camera tracks the students’ movements on a computer screen and translates them into piano scales or drum beats. The program’s developers hope it will open a whole new world of creativity for physically challenged individuals.

Related links

Posted by at

Software Strikes a Chord for Disabled Students: From eSchool News

Demo Video by Zane Van Dusen

University project enables physically challenged students to create music using technology
A program developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) allows students with severe physical disabilities to create music just by moving their heads. A digital video camera tracks the students’ movements on a computer screen and translates them into piano scales or drum beats. The program’s developers hope it will open a whole new world of creativity for physically challenged individuals.

Related links

Posted by at

Web 2.0 Presentation Tools & Resources: Flickr, SlideShare, Zoho Show & More by Patricia F. Anderson

I recently came across this slideshow and found it really interesting. Take a look.

A brief introduction to using web 2.0 resources to enrich your professional presenting experiences, beginning with finding images, then moving into how use web 2.0 tools to facilitate education, hiring, professional presentations, and more.

About Patricia F. Anderson

Since 1998, I have been the Head Librarian for the Dentistry Library of the University of Michigan. The UM Dentistry Library is one of the largest in the world, certainly one of the top few.
Read more...

Related link
Second Life Librarians



Source: SlideShare

Posted by at

Web 2.0 Presentation Tools & Resources: Flickr, SlideShare, Zoho Show & More by Patricia F. Anderson

I recently came across this slideshow and found it really interesting. Take a look.

A brief introduction to using web 2.0 resources to enrich your professional presenting experiences, beginning with finding images, then moving into how use web 2.0 tools to facilitate education, hiring, professional presentations, and more.

About Patricia F. Anderson

Since 1998, I have been the Head Librarian for the Dentistry Library of the University of Michigan. The UM Dentistry Library is one of the largest in the world, certainly one of the top few.
Read more...

Related link
Second Life Librarians



Source: SlideShare

Posted by at

Free Elearning - ELN

Last week Kineo gave a presentation to the Elearning Network event on free elearning. The focus of their presentation was on the availability of free tools that can enhance your elearning developments. (See the slides).
The key thing about these tools is not that they are free but that they are quality tools which can enhance your learning initiatives. Moodle was selected by the Open University on functionality rather than cost grounds as an example. Though of course the fact they are free can also help you deliver more for less. A key factor for training and development departments these days.
The tools we demonstrated included:


  • open source tools - such as Moodle
  • freeware - such as Audacity
  • free hosted tools - such as Slideshare, SurveyMonkey

Read more...

Related links
free elearning demo is at www.kineolearning.com/demo. You can self register to access the demo and choose the ELN area to see all of the free tools in action, the enrolment key is 'elnpass'.
Visit the free elearning

Source: Kineo
Posted by at

Free Elearning - ELN

Last week Kineo gave a presentation to the Elearning Network event on free elearning. The focus of their presentation was on the availability of free tools that can enhance your elearning developments. (See the slides).
The key thing about these tools is not that they are free but that they are quality tools which can enhance your learning initiatives. Moodle was selected by the Open University on functionality rather than cost grounds as an example. Though of course the fact they are free can also help you deliver more for less. A key factor for training and development departments these days.
The tools we demonstrated included:


  • open source tools - such as Moodle
  • freeware - such as Audacity
  • free hosted tools - such as Slideshare, SurveyMonkey

Read more...

Related links
free elearning demo is at www.kineolearning.com/demo. You can self register to access the demo and choose the ELN area to see all of the free tools in action, the enrolment key is 'elnpass'.
Visit the free elearning

Source: Kineo
Posted by at

Monday, November 26, 2007

Moodle Teaching Techniques: Creative Ways to Use Moodle for Constructing Online Learning Solutions

I hope that you find this book useful and have a good time reading!

Moodle Teaching Techniques: Creative Ways to Use Moodle for Constructing Online Learning Solutions
By William Rice
Published on: 2007-09-20

Synopsis

This book for university teachers, professional educators, and corporate trainers is about applying teaching techniques through Moodle, the world's most popular online Learning Management System, covering creative uses of Moodle's standard features, workarounds for alternative solutions, when and how to apply different learning solutions that are based on proven, accepted instructional principles and traditional classroom activities: Distributed Practice, Self Monitoring, Pre-correction, and more.
The free, open-source Moodle LMS is designed to facilitate creating richly interactive online courses; with many screenshots this book shows how Moodle's many modules can be used to make courses unique, creating environments that motivate team work, where students get maximum benefit. The book assumes that readers have basic understanding of Moodle, but it does not need any programming knowledge; it is all about teaching and not programming and even experienced trainers will benefit from it.

About the author

William Rice is a software training professional who lives, works, and plays in the New York City. His indoor hobbies include writing books and spending way too much time reading sites like slashdot and 43folders. His outdoor hobbies include orienteering, rock climbing, and edible wild plants (a book on that is coming someday).
William is fascinated by the relationship between technology and society; how we create our tools, and how our tools in turn shape us. He is married to an incredible woman who encourages his writing pursuits, and has two amazing sons. He can be reached through his website at http://williamriceinc.blogspot.com/.

Related link
Posted by at

Moodle Teaching Techniques: Creative Ways to Use Moodle for Constructing Online Learning Solutions

I hope that you find this book useful and have a good time reading!

Moodle Teaching Techniques: Creative Ways to Use Moodle for Constructing Online Learning Solutions
By William Rice
Published on: 2007-09-20

Synopsis

This book for university teachers, professional educators, and corporate trainers is about applying teaching techniques through Moodle, the world's most popular online Learning Management System, covering creative uses of Moodle's standard features, workarounds for alternative solutions, when and how to apply different learning solutions that are based on proven, accepted instructional principles and traditional classroom activities: Distributed Practice, Self Monitoring, Pre-correction, and more.
The free, open-source Moodle LMS is designed to facilitate creating richly interactive online courses; with many screenshots this book shows how Moodle's many modules can be used to make courses unique, creating environments that motivate team work, where students get maximum benefit. The book assumes that readers have basic understanding of Moodle, but it does not need any programming knowledge; it is all about teaching and not programming and even experienced trainers will benefit from it.

About the author

William Rice is a software training professional who lives, works, and plays in the New York City. His indoor hobbies include writing books and spending way too much time reading sites like slashdot and 43folders. His outdoor hobbies include orienteering, rock climbing, and edible wild plants (a book on that is coming someday).
William is fascinated by the relationship between technology and society; how we create our tools, and how our tools in turn shape us. He is married to an incredible woman who encourages his writing pursuits, and has two amazing sons. He can be reached through his website at http://williamriceinc.blogspot.com/.

Related link
Posted by at

The Virtual LRC, a Completely Free, Non-Commercial Resource

Virtual Learning Resources Center

Just want to let you know it was a true pleasure using this excellent website.
The Virtual LRC is both a dedicated index of over 10,000 web pages maintained by a real human being, as well as a meta-search engine that includes in its results information gleaned from many of the best research portals and university and public library Internet subject guides recommended by teachers and librarians.
A special search tools page includes forms to search online magazines, photos and clipart, sounds, and study guides.
The Virtual LRC, a completely free, non-commercial resource, is the creation of Dr. Michael Bell, former state chair of the Texas Association of School Librarians.

Posted by at

The Virtual LRC, a Completely Free, Non-Commercial Resource

Virtual Learning Resources Center

Just want to let you know it was a true pleasure using this excellent website.
The Virtual LRC is both a dedicated index of over 10,000 web pages maintained by a real human being, as well as a meta-search engine that includes in its results information gleaned from many of the best research portals and university and public library Internet subject guides recommended by teachers and librarians.
A special search tools page includes forms to search online magazines, photos and clipart, sounds, and study guides.
The Virtual LRC, a completely free, non-commercial resource, is the creation of Dr. Michael Bell, former state chair of the Texas Association of School Librarians.

Posted by at

Campus Technology News

Continuing Education Sites Lacking, Researchers Say by David Nagel
Continuing and professional education (CPE) sites are somewhat effective at helping students with their enrollment decisions, but they're lacking in some key functionality areas: content, search capabilities, and multimedia...
According to the report, in which more than 500 prospective students were surveyed on their experiences with higher ed sites, colleges' and universities' CPE sites are strong on aesthetics and marketing but lack depth. Of those surveyed, 94 percent said that information on the costs of education is important, but only 59 percent said the information was conveyed adequately on actual sites. Only 56 percent said that the multimedia content on the sites was "interesting and relevant." And only 63 percent found the sites' search functionality to be useful.

Related link


Podcasting on a Shoestring by Linda L Briggs
A feisty online program director on a rock-bottom budget at a Los Angeles college is using free cast-off computers and help from an open source software startup to create podcasts of classroom lectures...
Linda Delzeit-McIntyre, an instructor at LATTC and its online program director, decided in 2006 to launch a pilot podcasting program. Listening, she explained, is clearly a primary skill for many LATTC students. "We're in the inner city," she said. "Many of our students speak one or more languages, but they don't read or write well in any of them. That means they have learned by listening." She said she often saw students coming to class with handheld tape recorders, which disrupted class or would run out of tape or batteries.
Also, LATTC students, many of whom are pressed for time because they have family and work obligations along with school, commonly spend time sitting in traffic or on the bus during the commute to and from school--excellent time for using an MP3 device.

Related links

Posted by at

Campus Technology News

Continuing Education Sites Lacking, Researchers Say by David Nagel
Continuing and professional education (CPE) sites are somewhat effective at helping students with their enrollment decisions, but they're lacking in some key functionality areas: content, search capabilities, and multimedia...
According to the report, in which more than 500 prospective students were surveyed on their experiences with higher ed sites, colleges' and universities' CPE sites are strong on aesthetics and marketing but lack depth. Of those surveyed, 94 percent said that information on the costs of education is important, but only 59 percent said the information was conveyed adequately on actual sites. Only 56 percent said that the multimedia content on the sites was "interesting and relevant." And only 63 percent found the sites' search functionality to be useful.

Related link


Podcasting on a Shoestring by Linda L Briggs
A feisty online program director on a rock-bottom budget at a Los Angeles college is using free cast-off computers and help from an open source software startup to create podcasts of classroom lectures...
Linda Delzeit-McIntyre, an instructor at LATTC and its online program director, decided in 2006 to launch a pilot podcasting program. Listening, she explained, is clearly a primary skill for many LATTC students. "We're in the inner city," she said. "Many of our students speak one or more languages, but they don't read or write well in any of them. That means they have learned by listening." She said she often saw students coming to class with handheld tape recorders, which disrupted class or would run out of tape or batteries.
Also, LATTC students, many of whom are pressed for time because they have family and work obligations along with school, commonly spend time sitting in traffic or on the bus during the commute to and from school--excellent time for using an MP3 device.

Related links

Posted by at

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Articles from Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education TOJDE

Don't miss theses articles from Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education TOJDE, October 2007, Volume 8 Number 4:
The first article is from TURKEY. Dr. Ozana URAL discusse in her paper the views of the doctoral students at traditional universities on the use of distance education systems and technologies and independent learning are determined.
The second article is from Pakistan. The presented study, measured the comparative outcome of formal and non-formal system of education in Pakistan.

ATTIDUES OF GRADUATE STUDENTS TOWARD DISTANCE EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING

By Associate Professor Ozana URAL, Ph.D.
Elementary Education Department,
Atatürk Faculty of Education
University of Marmara, Goztepe
Istanbul, TURKEY

Abstract
Distance education systems are being used in along with the traditional education systems in order to respond to the demand for higher education. Technological advancements, interactive learning possibilities are forcing the traditional universities to make more use of the distance education systems and technologies. Most of the traditional universities to create the opportunity for their students to be independent learners and learners who can organize their learning processes by using distance education systems and technologies. It is thought that students who can learn on their own and who can organize their learning processes will be more likely to use lifelong learning opportunities. In Turkey where there is a great demand for higher education, the use of distance education systems and technologies in traditional universities is not common.

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
THROUGH DISTANCE EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

By Qadir BUKHSH
Lecturer, Department of Education
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,
Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract
The present study was undertaken to highlight the gender disparities of Pakistan as well as at regional and international level. The study, measured the comparative outcome of formal and non-formal system of education in Pakistan. To achieve the desired goal, documentary analysis was considered appropriate. The number of schools and enrollment during the years 2001 to 2004 of the formal system for primary, middle and high level was considered and enrollment during the year 198-1999 and 2004 for Secondary School Certificate to Ph.D level of non-formal system was considered. Data was analyzed in term of percentage and average. It was found that enrollment of female is less than male in formal system while enrollment of female is higher than male in non-formal system of education in Pakistan.

Happy reading to all of you.

Source: Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education
Posted by at

Articles from Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education TOJDE

Don't miss theses articles from Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education TOJDE, October 2007, Volume 8 Number 4:
The first article is from TURKEY. Dr. Ozana URAL discusse in her paper the views of the doctoral students at traditional universities on the use of distance education systems and technologies and independent learning are determined.
The second article is from Pakistan. The presented study, measured the comparative outcome of formal and non-formal system of education in Pakistan.

ATTIDUES OF GRADUATE STUDENTS TOWARD DISTANCE EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING

By Associate Professor Ozana URAL, Ph.D.
Elementary Education Department,
Atatürk Faculty of Education
University of Marmara, Goztepe
Istanbul, TURKEY

Abstract
Distance education systems are being used in along with the traditional education systems in order to respond to the demand for higher education. Technological advancements, interactive learning possibilities are forcing the traditional universities to make more use of the distance education systems and technologies. Most of the traditional universities to create the opportunity for their students to be independent learners and learners who can organize their learning processes by using distance education systems and technologies. It is thought that students who can learn on their own and who can organize their learning processes will be more likely to use lifelong learning opportunities. In Turkey where there is a great demand for higher education, the use of distance education systems and technologies in traditional universities is not common.

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
THROUGH DISTANCE EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

By Qadir BUKHSH
Lecturer, Department of Education
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,
Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract
The present study was undertaken to highlight the gender disparities of Pakistan as well as at regional and international level. The study, measured the comparative outcome of formal and non-formal system of education in Pakistan. To achieve the desired goal, documentary analysis was considered appropriate. The number of schools and enrollment during the years 2001 to 2004 of the formal system for primary, middle and high level was considered and enrollment during the year 198-1999 and 2004 for Secondary School Certificate to Ph.D level of non-formal system was considered. Data was analyzed in term of percentage and average. It was found that enrollment of female is less than male in formal system while enrollment of female is higher than male in non-formal system of education in Pakistan.

Happy reading to all of you.

Source: Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education
Posted by at

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Feature Articles

Don’t miss these pertinent articles, appears in Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), 2007.

Johnson, T. J., Kaye, B. K., Bichard, S. L. and Wong, W. J. (2007). Every blog has its day: Politically-interested Internet users' perceptions of blog credibility.
Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), article 6.

Abstract
This study employs an online survey to examine U.S. politically-interested Internet users' perceptions of the credibility of blogs. The article focuses on the influence of blog reliance compared to motivations for visiting blogs in determining blog credibility. The study found that blogs were judged as moderately credible, but as more credible than any mainstream media or online source. Both reliance and motivations predicted blog credibility after controlling for demographics and political variables. Reliance proved a consistently stronger predictor than blog motivations. Also, information-seeking motives predicted credibility better than entertainment ones.


Stefanone, M. A. and Jang, C.-Y. (2007). Writing for friends and family: The interpersonal nature of blogs.
Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), article 7.

Abstract
This research explores variables related to the use of personal-journal style blogs for interpersonal goals. A random sample of bloggers completed surveys exploring how the combination of extraversion and self-disclosure affect strong tie network size, which in turn serves as motivation to use blogs as an alternative communication channel. Bloggers who exhibit both extraversion and self-disclosure traits tend to maintain larger strong-tie social networks and are more likely to appropriate blogs to support those relationships. Age, gender, and education have no relationship to network size, blog content, or the use of blogs as a relationship maintenance tool. These results contribute to the continuing discussion about the impact that the Internet and its tools are having on relationships by suggesting that, rather than promoting isolation, computer-mediated communication tools such as blogs often function to enhance existing relationships.

Note: Starting in January 2008, new issues will only be published on Blackwell Synergy site. The journal's format will continue to be open access, according to the International Communication Association.

Posted by at

Feature Articles

Don’t miss these pertinent articles, appears in Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), 2007.

Johnson, T. J., Kaye, B. K., Bichard, S. L. and Wong, W. J. (2007). Every blog has its day: Politically-interested Internet users' perceptions of blog credibility.
Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), article 6.

Abstract
This study employs an online survey to examine U.S. politically-interested Internet users' perceptions of the credibility of blogs. The article focuses on the influence of blog reliance compared to motivations for visiting blogs in determining blog credibility. The study found that blogs were judged as moderately credible, but as more credible than any mainstream media or online source. Both reliance and motivations predicted blog credibility after controlling for demographics and political variables. Reliance proved a consistently stronger predictor than blog motivations. Also, information-seeking motives predicted credibility better than entertainment ones.


Stefanone, M. A. and Jang, C.-Y. (2007). Writing for friends and family: The interpersonal nature of blogs.
Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), article 7.

Abstract
This research explores variables related to the use of personal-journal style blogs for interpersonal goals. A random sample of bloggers completed surveys exploring how the combination of extraversion and self-disclosure affect strong tie network size, which in turn serves as motivation to use blogs as an alternative communication channel. Bloggers who exhibit both extraversion and self-disclosure traits tend to maintain larger strong-tie social networks and are more likely to appropriate blogs to support those relationships. Age, gender, and education have no relationship to network size, blog content, or the use of blogs as a relationship maintenance tool. These results contribute to the continuing discussion about the impact that the Internet and its tools are having on relationships by suggesting that, rather than promoting isolation, computer-mediated communication tools such as blogs often function to enhance existing relationships.

Note: Starting in January 2008, new issues will only be published on Blackwell Synergy site. The journal's format will continue to be open access, according to the International Communication Association.

Posted by at
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