EVALUATE BLACKBOARD'S DISCUSSION FORUM

Evaluate Blackboard's Discussion Forum for Supporting MSc Students' Learning



Evaluate Blackboard's Discussion Forum for Supporting MSc Students' Learning

Today, as a result of technological advancements, major changes have happened to the way instruction is delivered. Teaching and learning with technology is becoming more evident in educational institutions, especially those of higher education (Ndahi, 2001). Roach (1999, p. 93) noted that “nowhere in higher education has there been as much change as in the use of information technology," especially internet-based technologies. With this growing change, technology is pressuring higher education institutions to develop a solid educational infrastructure that is rich with technological tools (Young, 1999). This infrastructure “plays an important role in determining a college's competitive advantage” (Garbe, 1998, p. 2) and "prepares MSc students to compete in competitive job markets" (Witmer, 1998, p. 162).

As a result, institutions of higher education have taken positive steps to focus on electronic learning (e-learning) technology to improve educational efficiency and effectiveness. Electronic learning technology and multimedia have been recognized as effective tools to provide a great possible array of student's input and interaction with the instructor, and to respond to MSc students' miscellaneous needs and learning styles (Dringus, 1995; Scifres, Gundersen, & Behara, 1998; Devlin & James, 2003). Their application in both teaching and learning can enhance traditional campus-based courses as well as distance learning courses (Garbe, 1998). It can also improve educational outcomes and enhance the quality of instruction, not to mention, the benefits it can provide to working MSc students who cannot attend classes sometimes. MSc students in this form of instruction can participate in the educational process anytime and anywhere, thus, overcoming traditional barriers of time and place (Romiszowski, 1997; McDonald, 2002).

They can also study independently online and interact with the instructor and/or fellow students on an area of concern through online communication (Ryan, 2001). Several electronic learning tools have been widely used for instructional delivery. These include software packages such as Blackboard, CMC, and WebCT. Blackboard was founded in 1997 by a team of faculties and students at Cornell University. It has been integrated into classroom teaching and is gaining popularity in more than 4000 colleges and universities worldwide (Blackboard Inc., 2000; Mathew, 2000). Blackboard is a software platform that is easy and quick for use by faculty and MSc students. This has made it one of the most popular platforms for teaching and learning in the online environment (Lane & Shelton, 2001). It can be available day and night, be integrated with other campus systems, and be connected to a wide area of resources and publications. Blackboard can allow colleges and universities to bring their courses, communities, and campus services online (Blackboard Inc., 2000; Smallwood & Zargari, 2000).

According to McEwen (2001), features provided by Blackboard are outstanding when it comes to keeping students and instructors having access to each other. It is worth to mention that these features are only accessed by MSc students and instructor of the course, thus protecting privacy of the student and ...