Enhancing Social Presence by Replacing the Discussion Forum with a Blog
Abstract: Commercial courseware management systems like Blackboard, WebCT, and Desire2Learn, have made the development of online courses much easier through the integration of plug-and-play applications. Yet, in an attempt to simplify the course development process, some sacrifices have been made, especially in the area of customizability. Specifically, the inability to customize the courseware management systems' Discussion Board has thwarted the power afforded by social networking tools to increase social presence in online learning environments. This paper will present an overview of best practices and social presence research; specific ways a blog can be implemented within a courseware management system to enhance social presence and usability in online courses; common concerns people have with using blogs and how they can be addressed; and the results of a student survey designed to obtain online learners’ perspectives regarding the use a blog versus a courseware managed Discussion Board.
Presider: Norman Garrett, Eastern Illinois University