Abstract

We examine the nature, characteristics and effectiveness of internet mediated course communications via an empirical investigation of the use made of the course website in a first year economics course with an enrolment of 1515 students. In particular we focus on the Discussion Tool. When the site closed there were 792 postings. Was this an effective way to enhance learning? Do foreign students use it more extensively, do females, do the weaker or stronger students? Our quantitative research reveals that almost seventy percent of students were actively using this information technology tool. We find that much learning and communicating occurs outside the classroom and that demographic differences strongly influence student-to- student and teaching staff-student communication.