Towards a More Effective Engagement of Learners and Tutors in Online Discussion Forums
Online discussion forums have the potential to add value to the total learning environment in open distance learning. A study analysing more than a hundred online forums from twenty courses offered by four faculties was conducted at the Open University Malaysia (OUM). The study aimed to determine...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Published: |
2008
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/164/1/framework.pdf http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/164/ |
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| Summary: | Online discussion forums have the potential to add value to the total learning environment in
open distance learning. A study analysing more than a hundred online forums from twenty
courses offered by four faculties was conducted at the Open University Malaysia (OUM).
The study aimed to determine how effective online forums were in contributing to the blended
learning pedagogies adopted by the university. Using the Community of Inquiry model to
evaluate the effectiveness of the forum discourse, the forums were examined to determine the
extent of social presence, cognitive presence and teaching presence in the forums. The study
also looked at similarities and differences in interactions in the various forums. Several
interesting observations were made as a result of the analysis. One major observation made
was the need for tutors to be trained on how to field questions, pose questions and lead as well
as moderate the discussions. The study was timely to ensure that online discussion forums
contribute further to the blended learning environment at OUM. (Authors' abstract) |
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