Asynchronous communication has been used extensively in open distance learning (ODL). It is preferred to synchronous communication in ODL because its time-delay feature allows users to organise their thoughts before they post their entries (see IM & Lee, 2003; Paulus and Phipps, 2008). Asynchronous communication applications, such as e-forums and weblogs, have been used to integrate various learning models and document learners’ engagement in online learning. In teacher preparation programmes, for instance, asynchronous communication applications have been used to facilitate pre-service teachers’ learning through reflection. Although there are studies which favoured the use of e-forum in learning, Angeli, Valanides and Bonk’s (2003) study found that not all reflection in online forums were of a high level. In view of such differing views, this study set out to examine the online forum entries of 25 pre-service teachers in their responses to literary texts. The study found that the levels of reflection among the 25 pre-service teachers were of a high level, but the interaction among the participants was low. Furthermore, this study also indicated that regardless how learners perceived online forums, learning would take place with proper guidance.
Journal or Publication Title
24th AAOU Annual Conference (Hanoi, Vietnam : 27-28 October 2010)
Lessons from students' participation in e-forums
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Lessons Students' Participation E-Forums
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