"Can Undergraduate/Graduate Students in Individual Self-Paced Distance Courses Participate in Discussion Forums? - Absolutely"

Abstract

This paper examines the use of an innovative monthly discussion forum for undergraduate and graduate students, studying at a distance in an individualized self paced course. The forums consisted of multimedia presentations followed up with questions and discussion opportunities. The students at both levels experienced success in the forums however, substantial differences were found in the number of posts and the length of posts between the two groups. Substantial differences were also found in the types of responses posted by both groups. The undergraduate students tended to simply answer the questions and provided minimal support and commentary to other students. The graduate student posts reflected the development of a community of learners with students supporting each other in many ways. The results indicated that additional measures may need to be instituted in discussion forums at the undergraduate level to increase student involvement and learning community development.