An exploratory study of online forums as a collaborative learning tool

Abstract

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -New information and communication technologies provide tools that help users to progress from traditional teaching methods towards new and more participative approaches consistent with collaborative learning. This study aims to assess the application of online discussion forums as a support tool for lecturing in marketing. Design/methodology/approach -The authors seek to pinpoint which factors determine student use of online forums on the basis of the Technology Acceptance Model and to provide empirical evidence concerning their impact on learning performance. Findings -The findings indicate that it is not ease of use but perceived usefulness that determines a positive attitude towards forums, an attitude which in turn influences forum use and perceived learning. Adopting a new learning system may be seen as a gradual process in which students become involved as they develop a positive attitude towards the system. Practical implications -Lecturers and web developers should pay particular care not only to the layout of the web site supporting the forums, but also to their usefulness and ability to stimulate ongoing and interesting debates among students. Originality/value -The findings of the study are valuable in helping lecturers and educational administrators in the application and promotion of online forums for creating knowledge through internal and interactive dialogue in a more conversational model of learning.

Evaluating the intention to use ICT collaborative tools in a social constructivist environment

“…Camarero, Rodríguez, & San José, 2012;Padilla-Meléndez, Garrido-Moreno, & Del Aguila-Obra, 2008;Shroff, Deneen, & Ng, 2011). It appeared that the significant effect of perceived ease of use had on attitude towards usage was mediated by perceived usefulness.…”

“…First, the higher the level of perceived usefulness of ICT tools, the greater the likelihood they will appeal to students and are encouraged to use them (Camarero, Rodríguez, & San José, 2012). Despite the numerous benefits of using ICT tools to aid students' collaborative learning, communication and knowledge construction, it is pertinent that lecturers promote the perceived usefulness of the tools by demonstrating positive behaviours to maintain students' interests and participation in their usage.…”

“…Camarero, Rodríguez, & San José, 2012;PadillaMeléndez, Garrido-Moreno, & Del Aguila-Obra, 2008;Shroff, Deneen, & Ng, 2011;Sumak, Heriko, Pusnik & Polancic, 2011;Teo, 2009;Wong & Teo, 2009). In a study on evaluating the use of different Google applications tools to facilitate collaborations among undergraduate students, Cheung and Vogel (2013) found that both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were significant determinants of attitudes towards usage, which in turn, led to significant effect on behavioural intention to use these tools.…”

Measuring Participation in Distance Education Online Discussion Forums Using Social Network Analysis

“…In this context, the teacher is, therefore, an agent who facilitates the construction of knowledge through various means. Collaborative learning techniques stimulate the creation of support networks for students and promote deeper learning than more conventional approaches to teaching (Camarero, Rodríguez, & San José, ; Lay & Balakrishnan, ). The use of a collaboration strategy is highly recommended to minimize disadvantages inherent in distance learning (Anaya & Boticario, ).…”

Security risks and protection in online learning: A survey

“…Nowadays, many instructors are using social media sites such as Tumblr, Facebook, Wikis, online forums, and Twitter to support collaborative learning in their online courses (He, 2011;Camarero, Rodríguez, & José, 2012;Patel et al, 2012). However, for unwary instructors and students, these social media sites pose a variety of serious security risks and threats.…”