Kipling, Richard P. ORCID: 0000-0001-6196-782X, Stiles, William A. V. ORCID: 0000-0001-5728-3070, De Andrade Lima, Micael ORCID: 0000-0003-3557-068X, MacKintosh, Neil ORCID: 0000-0002-5308-7512, Roberts, Meirion W., Williams, Cate L. ORCID: 0000-0002-6818-397X, Wootton-Beard, Peter C. ORCID: 0000-0002-6996-8672 and Watson-Jones, Sarah J. ORCID: 0000-0002-8717-7030 (2022) Interaction in online postgraduate learning: what makes a good forum? Distance Education, 44 (1). pp. 162-189. ISSN 0158-7919 (Print), 1475-0198 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2022.2150391)

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Abstract

Online postgraduate courses for professionals often use discussion forums to promote engagement and interaction. Equivalency theorem suggests that student-student interaction may increase satisfaction but is not necessary for achieving desired learning outcomes. Therefore, costs, as well as benefits, should be ascertained. We used data from student feedback and interviews to assess the perceptions of part-time postgraduate distance learners, and analyze their views of the role, benefits, and drawbacks of discussion forums. The aim was to assess forum efficacy in the context of the specific needs of these learners, to inform forum use and design. Thematic analysis revealed complex interactions between student context and experience, forum design and management. Structurally tweaking forums to control engagement may be particularly ineffective, stimulating unhelpful grade-focused participation and highlighting forum opportunity costs. The study revealed the importance of designing and managing forums, with direct reference to their costs and benefits for specific student groups.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	assessment; discussion; forums; distance learning; online teaching; student engagement
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > School of Design (DES)
Last Modified:	06 Mar 2023 14:05
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/38764

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