Appropriate Uses of Computer‐Mediated Communication Systems for Education; Conferencing ‘R‐PLACES’

Abstract

What can be done with computer‐mediated communications (CMC) that will be really valuable educationally in our complex, highly interdependent, uncertain world? In order to answer this question a brief categorization of five generations of CMC is given, followed by a discussion of some acute educational needs which may best be met by CMC in the form of ‘R‐PLACES’ (Reciprocative participatory ‐ Performance Learning Action, Cybersystemic Emulation Spaces) for fostering culturally and ecologically symbiotic learning. Criteria for appropriate Reciprocity‐PLACES design and development based upon recent experience and research are given.