Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

6-2008

Publication Details

This conference paper was originally published as Sandor, M and Harris, N, Understanding the experience of university students as facilitators of the learning process within the medium of online discussion forums, Proceedings of the Emerging Technologies Conference, University of Wollongong, 18-21 June 2008.

Abstract

Knowledge and skills of how to use computer conferencing techniques, such as online discussion forums, remains modest amongst most academics. This paper presents a conception of the online discussion forum as a context that supports student centred peer e-learning. In particular, the paper overviews research findings relating to the experience of university students as facilitators of the learning process as a central element of this approach to discussion forums. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with students including both open and closed ended questions. The findings presented in the paper support the proffered approach as a viable means to effectively position students at the centre of an online peer learning experience. Such an approach could be of interest to academics looking to incorporate computer conferencing techniques and create or maintain meaningful peer learning opportunities for their students.

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