Jean introduced the concept of the `virtual university' as one in which we need never meet face-to-face, yet where most of the activities of a real university can occur independent of time and place, and where we can simulate the interaction said to take place in on-campus group learning activities. Technically, all we need is a networked PC, or an isolated PC or Mac hooked up by modem to a telephone line, and in the `virtual Monash' the NetFace software.
The workshop was loosely modelled on activities carried out in Working Bees in which NetFace has been trialled during an on-going development phase. One or two technical hitches were encountered during the session, including a momentary complete loss of power to the whole laboratory(!), and many attendees did not have sufficient time available to derive full benefit from their on-line explorations. For some, the environment of on-line computer mediated communication (CMC) is new and challenging, and Jean gave valuable assistance as she roved around the laboratory helping those in need of a helping hand.
If you would like to investigate further the use of NetFace, or to discuss CMC in general, it is suggested you should contact Mrs Jean Wood direct. Phone (03) 902 6812; E-mail jean@giaeb.cc.monash.edu.au