Asynchronous Distributed
Interfaces
Introduction to Synchronous Distributed
Interfaces
Technology enables collaboration across
distance and time.
Electronic messages are durable and
effective for communication.
Email is a core communication method in
both personal and professional domains.
Example: Working with a remote team
across different time zones using email for
task coordination.
Benefits of Electronic Mail
Simple and user-friendly communication
method.
Allows sharing of factual information quickly
(e.g., dates, contacts).
Easy integration with other applications (cut,
paste, and share).
Example: Sending meeting invites, sharing
documents instantly.
Limitations of E-mail Communication
Not suitable for complex discussions (lack of
structure).
Overload from too many messages daily.
Difficult for newcomers to understand
previous conversation context.
Example: Long discussion thread with no
decision reached.
Structure and Features of E-mail
Systems
Message is the atomic unit of collaboration.
Key fields: FROM, TO, CC, SUBJECT, DATE.
Attachments: text, images, spreadsheets, etc.
Example: Attaching a budget spreadsheet to an
approval email.
Managing High Volume & Spam
Filters for sender, subject, and content type.
Search and archiving tools in clients like
Outlook, Lotus Notes.
Spam issues: unsolicited ads, solicitations, and
inappropriate content.
Example: Setting a rule to auto-move
promotional emails to a separate folder.
Mobile and Web-Based E-mail
Services: Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail.
Devices: Mobile phones, BlackBerry, tablets.
Accessible anywhere: at work, home, or
internet cafes.
Example: Traveler using webmail on a public
computer to check urgent mail.
Making E-mail More Universal
Goals: Simpler interfaces, lower costs, faster
training.
Online directories facilitate address discovery.
Issues: spam, privacy breaches, misuse of group
emails.
Example: Creating an email group for project teams
with privacy settings.
Group Communication Tools
Email is foundational, but groups need
structured communication.
Tools extend email to support discussion,
collaboration, and archiving.
Examples: Newsgroups, listservers, discussion
boards, blogs, wikis.
Newsgroups
Thousands of topics organized into
hierarchical categories.
Example categories: alt (alternative), comp
(computers), rec (recreational), soc (social).
Notes stored on ISP servers for limited time.
Users can search, read previous notes, and
follow naming conventions.
Listservers
Users subscribe to receive messages via
email.
Can be moderated or unmoderated.
Messages may arrive individually or in
digests.
Archives and subscriber lists maintained.
Example: Listserv software by L-Soft.
: Discussion Boards
Evolved from bulletin boards; web-based.
Messages organized by thread, date, author,
or topic.
Support for replies, new topic creation, and
moderation.
Enhance engagement with icons, emoticons,
user pictures.
Advanced Features of Discussion Boards
Attachments, web links, email notifications.
Message archiving and search functions.
Tools for security, moderation, and user
management.
Commercial examples: Discus, Webcrossing.
Membership and Participation
Boards may be public or restricted.
"Lurkers" (non-posting users) are common.
Active moderators keep discussions on-topic
and respectful.
Participation can vary by community goal
(e.g., support groups vs. tech forums).
Online Conferences
Structured asynchronous discussions.
Moderators guide conversations and
timelines.
Support decision-making with tools like
voting, scheduling, and archives.
Example: Product planning with deadline-
driven tasks.
Blogs and Wikis
Blogs: Personal/public diaries open to
comments.
Topics: politics, travel, tech, etc.
Tools: templates, image uploads, links.
Wikis: Collaborative editing by community
members.
Popular for project planning and
documentation.
Online Publications and Wrap-Up
Growth of newsletters, magazines, journals
online.
Reader engagement through comments and
discussion.
Examples: Slate, Salon, Darwin.
Asynchronous tools provide flexibility, deep
thinking, and global reach.
Online and
Networked
Communities
Introduction to Online and Networked
Communities
Online: topically focused, geographically dispersed
(e.g., Cancer patients, archaeologists).
Networked: geographically localized (e.g., Seattle,
Milan).
Tools: email, forums, archives, and community-
specific features.
Example: The WELL – stories of support and
identity exploration.
Benefits and Concerns
Positive: communication for isolated users,
patient support.
Negative: risk of social withdrawal, identity
fabrication.
Studies show mixed outcomes—initial concerns
later challenged by positive findings.
Community Dynamics
Shared goals and sustained electronic
participation.
Trust and "generalized reciprocity" foster
helpful environments.
Empathy is key in health support groups:
e.g., surgery experiences and
encouragement.
Keys to Successful Communities
Clear purpose and defined membership.
Strong moderators and policies.
Design and nurture matter more than just the
interface.
Managing Behavior and Content
Policies needed for rudeness, off-topic posts,
and spam.
Balance between free speech and preventing
harm.
Norms vs. enforced rules depend on the
community.
Interface Simplicity vs. Conversational
Richness
Simple UI due to bandwidth limitations.
Spirited replies, debates, and complexity in
conversations.
Group splitting helps manage message
overload.
Communities of Practice (CoPs)
Corporate, educational, and government
CoPs foster expertise sharing.
Challenge: motivate participation despite
competition.
Tools help mine or curate organizational
knowledge.
Online Education and Virtual Classrooms
Used in distance education and traditional
classes.
Tools: Blackboard, WebCT, FirstClass.
Benefits: continuous interaction,
collaborative learning, 24/7 resource access.
Real-World Examples and Collaboratories
eBay: community feel, reputation systems.
Slashdot: rapid discussions in tech domains.
Linux/open-source: large-scale collaboration.
Collaboratories: shared tools, remote access,
accelerated research.