%0 Journal Article
%T Effectiveness of Using Online Discussion Forum for Case Study Analysis
%A Ravi Seethamraju
%J Education Research International
%D 2014
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2014/589860
%X Business schools are exploring new pedagogical approaches to learning in order to deal with challenges such as increased class sizes, limited funding support, and difficulties in facilitating and encouraging active participation and learning among a diverse cohort of students. This paper reports on a study of the effectiveness of a pedagogical approach that blends online discussion board and case study. Analysing quantity and quality of online postings and comparing accounting students¡¯ performance with previous cohort, this study observes a significant improvement in student learning. Appropriate design and delivery strategies and clear assessment criteria for assessment and use have provided an effective learning vehicle for students, helped them overcome their own language related barriers, and encouraged them to participate in a nonthreatening environment. This approach further complemented the benefits of peer-to-peer learning and case study pedagogy. Reported increase in workload for students and marking load for academics and measuring the value of learning, however, are some of the challenges that need further attention by researchers. 1. Introduction The benefits of using online discussion forums and peer to peer learning for enhancing student learning are well known. Other than in full online courses, their adoption in traditional learning environments complementing face-to-face teaching is increasing [1] and has now become a common educational strategy in higher education [2]. In fact, interest in using online discussion forum as an indicator of students¡¯ performance is increasing [3]. Online discussion forums are expected to enable flexible and independent learning and knowledge construction [4] and develop critical thinking skills [5]. There are, however, some problems such as lack of learners¡¯ focus and inadequate reflection [6], students not responding to the ideas of others, and surface level discussions [7]. Though there are many advantages of its use, students use of the online discussion forums in the context of their study [8] and the characteristics of an effective online discussion environment that facilitate effective learning need to be investigated [1]. Further, difficulties of devising an online assessment and incorporating the benefits of case study pedagogy into this online forum have posed further challenges to educators in the design and effective management of these activities [9]. Driven by the increasingly competitive higher educational environments, higher expectations of students, cultural diversity of the student
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/edri/2014/589860/