Acceptance and use of computer-mediated communication by information students

Abstract

Current trends in information technology developments mean that computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems can be expected to become progressively more versatile, widespread and significant both for work and for education. All students and staff of the Department of Communication and Information Studies at Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh, have used CMC systemati cally for more than five years. This has made it possible to carry out detailed longitudinal studies of the impact of CMC on academic users, and of the value they derive from it. Results are presented here of a survey of student use, including levels and patterns of messaging as well as perceptions of, and attitudes towards, CMC activities. Despite rapid changes in technological capabilities, there appears to be some stability of reactions to CMC, with students particularly valuing administrative and course- orientated uses.