The use of (a)synchronous communication tools in e-learning

Seminar paper from the year 2004 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Other grade: 2 University of Marburg course: E-Learning language: English abstract: This work tries to give a survey of the main communication tools both synchronous and asynchronous that are (or have been) used in e-learning. After evaluating the respective advantages and disadvantages that are exhibited by the different modes of communication a brief look will be taken at the social factors that may influence online communication. Concluding several suggestions and recommendations can be made as to facilitate the use of (a)synchronous communication tools in e-learning. Communicating with teachers and co-learners is an important factor for the conventionalisation of newly acquired knowledge (Schulmeister 2003:159) so some care should be taken to enable both students and tutors to make optimal use of the facilities for communication they are provided with as well as to take care to offer the needed diversity in communication tools.