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The study examines the effects of e-mail messages on students' perceived social support, academic satisfaction, academic outcomes, and on students' coping modes. E-mails with a social or academic content were submitted by the university academic staff responsible for the courses to the 229 undergraduate students enrolled in an online social science program in a distance learning university. Findings indicate that the students who received the e-mails reported a higher rate of academic and social support than the control group, were more satisfied with the academic courses, and reported using more task-oriented and lower emotional or avoidance-oriented coping strategies than the control group. The findings support the usefulness of submitting e-mails by an academic member of staff, suggesting the incorporation of academic messages into the instruction process, to enhance students' positive perception of the academic staff communication, and encourage more personal interaction between student and lecturer, which may evoke more proactive students' coping strategies.
DISTANCE LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCA TION
In recent years, the world has witnessed the rapid development of computer networks, dramatic improvements in the processing power of personal computers, and striking advances in magnetic storage technology. These developments have made the computer a dynamic force in distance education, providing a new and interactive means of overcoming time and distance to reach learners (Wagschal, 1998). Educational communities, mostly universities and colleges, facilitate access to the internet and continue to expand online learning opportunities to students at various levels (Wang, 2007).
Online learning is defined as a virtual class that delivers courses, information and communication by the Internet, without the physical presence of the instructors or the other students (Richardson & Swan, 2003). The most frequent examples of this use are instructional design models, including e-learning systems, interactive learning, and an asynchronous interaction system, where the instructors can receive responses, recommendations, and modified materials from students at any time. E-learning is defined as the facilitation of learning through the use of electronic technology, which can be delivered over the Internet, via CD-ROM, DVD, or through interactive television via satellite (Manochehri & Young, 2006).
Various studies have pointed to the different advantages and disadvantages of e-learning in distance education studies. The benefits of e-learning include allowing direct interaction between instructors and participants, using video...