Student views on participation and interaction in student centred online discussion forums

Abstract

It is important for higher education to evolve and incorporate new teaching and learning technologies as they emerge. While such technologies can offer new educational possibilities, it is vital to ensure their usage is grounded in pedagogical thinking and enriches the learning experience of students. Computer-mediated communication (CMC), and more specifically online discussion forums, is being increasingly utilised. However, how to best incorporate such applications remains modest amongst most academics. This paper presents a framework of the online discussion forum as a student centred peer eearning environment. In particular, the paper presents research findings relating to student views on participation and interaction in these online discussion forums. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with students. The findings support the discussed framework in that it allows students to take an active role in their learning and enriches their learning experience. In summary, the framework provides a viable mean of implementing peer learning in an online learning environment.