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On-line disciplines: Computer-mediated scholarship in the humanities and social sciences

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Abstract

The recent creation of global-area computer networks invites the development of tools and resources that can reap the scholarly advantages of such technology. In this paper, we discuss prospects for the productive use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) for scholarly interaction. We begin by describing the technology used to deliver information over academic networks and the kinds of disciplinary services that the technology enables. In the second half of the paper we consider factors that bear upon the development of CMC-based disciplinary centers and we call attention to their potential to create a highly interactive form of scholarship.

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Teresa Harrison and Timothy Stephen are Associate Professors of Communication. Teresa Harrison's research focusses on communication theory and organizational communication. Timothy Stephen specializes in interpersonal communication and the development of community.

This research was funded, in part, by the Paul Beer Trust, administered by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

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Harrison, T.M., Stephen, T. On-line disciplines: Computer-mediated scholarship in the humanities and social sciences. Comput Hum 26, 181–193 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00058616

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