Taking a step back

After the discussion we had last week, or the week prior about distance learning, it occured to me that I have a very different perspective about distance learning simply because of the exposure I've had with a variety of distance learning experiences. So to me, using technology in smart and directed ways is a great idea. I now see that I may be in the minority with some of my thoughts or sentiments.

It was a great experience, to be able to read the thoughts of those who have a very different view points from me, though. The best way to educate people is to understand where they're coming from. It's also made me think about Jing's idea of technology natives. I would consider myself at technology native- I've been using technology and the internet since I was young and it's always been a part of my life. It was never something that I was shielded from. If we can teach our youth to use the internet in a responsible way, it becomes a great resource and source of information (of course, as long as you're using reputible resources!)

This then led me to think about how uncomfortable people who don't use the internet on a regular basis would be trying to navigate any sort of discussion board, or forum. It would seem overwhelming initially. As with any sort of new environment, we try to navigate it and learn about the culture as quickly as possible so we can integrate ourselves and follow the cultural norms. This is the same in using an internet forum.

Regardless of the environment that we're in, a new class (going into a graduate class was an entirely new experience for me this semester, but I feel that now I have a grasp on how Tiffany's classes run, and I've integrated myself into the classroom experience. However, I'm sure it'll be different in a face to face class taught by Jing, Nick, etc).

The best way to get involved in forum activities is to join one. The nice thing about forums is that there is something for everyone. Not only are they great for educational uses (such as our 611 forum) but they're social, they're informative, and they provide for a variety of perspectives. I would recommend doing a google search for a hobby you have, or an interest and search '_____ discussion forum'. Even if you just browse around them exposure is the best way to familiarize yourself with the resource and opportunity that internet forums provide.

Synchronous and asynchronous uses

The nice thing about internet forums is the flexibility in usage. Though they don't run like a traditional chatroom environment, they still provide the opportunity to have several people together at the same time to communicate and share ideas.

In an asynchronous method of use, individual posters can start new threads that share general ideas, or pose questions to the population of the forum. Others can log in when they have available time and compose a message in response to the original poster, or other individuals who have commented on that thread.

To use forums in a more synchronous manner, several individuals can plan to be logged on and using the forum at a specific times, and they can communicate via posts.

What I like about forums is the hybrid that can be created because it is traditionally an asynchronous technology, but it can be used in a somewhat synchronous way. This provides the nearly "real time" communication opportunity, but still allows for an individual to compose and think out their responses to others, which is why I prefer asynchronous communication.

Forums also act as storage, holding all of the conversations that have occurred to go back and check as an informative resource- either for individuals who were part of the conversation, or those who may have missed it. That is one of the advantages it has over a chat room. If an individual isn't there, they do not have access to that information unless it's copied by one of the chat participants.

Has anyone had experience using an internet forum, either as an educational tool, or in a more recreational capacity?

Internet Forums

For the second half of the semester, I'm going to be talking about internet forums and their use in an educational context, but for today, I'd just like to explain them in brief.

Internet forums are a way for a group of individuals to come together and discuss either in a synchronous or asynchronous manner. A forum will have several 'boards' or main headers, and in each of those categories, specific threads can be found on different topics. The nice thing about forums is the fact that they can be used for virtually any topic, there are forums for online games, fan communities, common interests, and even educational classes.

How to use an internet forum

Internet forum wiki

And the following video is just for a laugh and there's a bit of mild profanity. But it's a humorous outline for new forum users.