Computer mediated communication and collaborative learning in an undergraduate distance education environment

Deakin University has, over a number of years, committed resources to the development of communication technologies in all aspects of teaching and learning. In 1996, staff in the School of Economics decided to adopt the use of computer mediated communication (CMC) in both the teaching and assessment of the first year microeconomics and macroeconomics units to distance education students. This paper reports on the use of CMC and collaborative learning among distance education students studying first year macroeconomics. Quantitative data is based on questionnaires completed by students over two semesters and qualitative analysis on the experience of both staff and students. Evidence suggests a positive response by students to the use of CMC in the teaching of economics using a collaborative learning approach. This supports the findings of previous studies that students' learning experiences are improved through collaborative learning.