Computer-based educational communications at the University of Michigan

A series of studies at the University of Michigan has explored information systems as a basis for learning environments (Zinn, 1974). Currently staff at the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) is looking at educational uses of computer-based conferencing, for example, computer-based seminars and computer-assisted curriculum development. Departments trying other uses, for example, computer-based committee work and computer-aided proposal preparation, find the basic software developed at CRLT to be applicable. However, some of the procedures described here are modified for the various purposes. A paper now in preparation by the same authors reports the history of computer-based conferencing at the University of Michigan. In brief, the activity did not become practical until the spring of 1975 when the CONFER I program (in Fortran) was completed by Robert Parnes. The conferencing software did not receive much use outside the circle of people interested in the software development until CONFER II became operational in the fall. A year of experience provides clear indication of the scope of conferencing applications and the resources needed for effective use. The first section of this note gives a rationale for the use of computer assistance in seminars, curriculum development and other educational activity. It concludes with a checklist intended for the potential organizer of a conference. The second section provides data on phase one of a study of conferencing applied in seminars and individual study. The third section discusses costs, time commitments and benefits. A fourth section describes implications of computer-based educational communications for the University of Michigan.