The role of discussion boards in e-collaborative learning environments (CSCL) – What kind of support can they provide? - A conceptual discussion and a qualitative case study

Abstract

Abstract The focus of this paper is on the role of discussion board use in e-collaborative learning (CSCL) and the support they may provide for learning. Research has shown that support has to include the social dimension as well. The paper starts with a conceptual discussion and explores qualitative results by a content analysis based on a previously conducted quantitative analysis on CSCL. As a research platform, 4 CSCL courses at the master’s level were conceptualized for applying different e-collaborative learning approaches.

Keywords

• E-collaboration
• discussion boards
• social support
• discussionboards
• socialsupport