Computer mediated communication: learning German online in Australia

This article investigates the use of computer-mediated communication technologies in the context of teaching German by distance mode in Australia. More conventional delivery modes such as audiocassettes and printed study guides were augmented by electronic support mechanisms. Students were able to access their study guides, timetables and assignment tasks online and communicated with their course convener as well as with fellow students via a bulletin board and an internal email system set up for the course. The article reports on the extent to which students used these facilities rather than more conventional modes of communication (fax., telephone, written submission of assignments), on how students managed the set tasks and what difficulties they encountered.