Electronic office hours: A component of distance learning

Abstract

This paper describes a technique to blend distance learning with traditional educational methods using Electronic Office Hours. Electronic Office Hours can connect the teacher and students outside the classroom by using existing computer mediated communication tools and techniques. The teacher and students have a choice as to the times and locations of the meetings. Short descriptions are presented along with advantages and disadvantages of each technique. The descriptions are based on the authors' experiences over a period of 18 years of use in the classroom.