Teachers, and their opinions, matter

Analysing staff perceptions of the effectiveness of online discussion forums

Abstract

This paper analyses a recent survey on staff perceptions of the effectiveness of discussion forums in a small private institution. The responses will inform future opportunities and strategies for professional development and student support within the College; setting of expectations and benchmarks for staff and students and increasing awareness of these as well as curriculum and learning design. The overall aim of the research is implementing practices that will be sustainable and address current challenges within the College of improving student retention, engagement and learning. Results indicate that while staff are generally inexperienced in the online environment they are comfortable with many aspects of online discussion forums. Main areas of concerns for staff are low levels of student engagement with each other and subject material. Staff are most interested in developing strategies to help with improving student engagement. Two profiles of staff from opposite ends of the spectrums of responses are developed and compared.