Contribution of an internet discussion forum to a business administration course

Abstract

New possibilities of e-learning are emerging with the Internet, for instance in terms of communication flexibility between teachers and students. Empirical research of the perception of 119 students of an asynchronous Internet discussion forum added to an undergraduate business administration course indicated a contribution to student learning. Positive aspects were the opportunity to express ideas permitting a greater participation, the significant comments exchanged and the reading of the messages. On the other hand contributions were limited by the superficiality of the discussions, a low level of interaction and the restricted teacher and tutor participation.