Mediated electronic discourse and computational linguistic analysis

Improving learning through choice of effective communication methods

Abstract

The author conducted research on the ways in which electronic mail, forums and chats are used within an online distance, open and virtual learning environment (WebCT) at a French University, for both on and off-campus students. This article briefly describes research on how computational linguistic analyses help us understand language evolution in the context of higher/further education and research. Results may lead teachers and tutors to choose more effective communication methods, thereby improving overall learning.