Computer Conferencing in the Public Affairs Classroom

Abstract

Technology is rapidly spreading throughout society and our public and private organizations. Tools like electronic mail, computer conferencing, and other groupware applications are being used in public and private organizations to more effectively and efficiently communicate, make decisions, and facilitate team projects. This article describes one experience using computer conferencing as a supplement in a graduate public administration class. The use of computer conferencing in the classroom are described, usage patterns are presented, and strategies for enhancing conferencing in the public administration classroom are discussed. The article concludes that, when properly facilitated and supported by the faculty member, conferencing can effectively supplement and enhance the traditional public administration classroom; in fact, using conferencing as a supplementary teaching strategy can enhance student discussion and student-initiated classroom participation. Using these strategies, the instructor also moves from being a provider of information toward being a facilitator of learning for students taking an active part in their own learning process.