Introducing E‐Mail into a Distance Learning Course ‐ A Case Study

SUMMARY

This case study deals with the introduction of electronic mail (e‐mail) discussion into a ‘conventional’ postgraduate, distance learning Training and Development programme. It introduces the course and the thinking behind linking learners through e‐mail. While most learners made little use of e‐mail in the first phase of implementation, a few clearly did value it, and e‐mail definitely facilitated discussion between tutors. This paper describes the authors’ reflections and perspectives both on the process of curriculum development and on the diverse communication cultures at play. It goes on to describe a second phase of implementation based on the lessons learned. The final part of the paper outlines the authors’ motivations for their continuing engagement with e‐mail; summarizes what has been learned to date; and speculates on future plans and developments.