This post reports on a study of corporate discussion threads initiated by the posing of a question (so they are not what I would call typical discussion forums). Still, this post has some interesting material to think about. First, to answer the main question, Nancy Dixon writes:
1. It is possible to have conversations in on-line forums.
2. But many on-line exchanges are not conversations, they are just declarations of each responder’s position
3. When conversations do occur in on-line forums the learning and performance results go up.
Interestingly (from my perspective) these conclusions are based on the effect of diversity in the discussion forums. "Research has shown that diverse groups are often more creative, innovative, and productive than homogenous groups." But "diversity without discussion is less helpful."
1. It is possible to have conversations in on-line forums.
2. But many on-line exchanges are not conversations, they are just declarations of each responder’s position
3. When conversations do occur in on-line forums the learning and performance results go up.
Interestingly (from my perspective) these conclusions are based on the effect of diversity in the discussion forums. "Research has shown that diverse groups are often more creative, innovative, and productive than homogenous groups." But "diversity without discussion is less helpful."
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