Glossary: Overview of telecollaboration tools and affordances
F
Forum
A forum is basically a bulletin board, a means for asynchronous communication with a group of users.
Tools
Moodle Forum
Affordances
asynchronous written online discussion
messages are posted and archived
many users can react to a posts
attachments
insertion of pictures
insertion of links
Usefull for
Written communication on a certain topic that takes place over a period of time
Exchange information and opinions within a group
Ask questions and ask for help
Teacher networking: teachers can use a forum that is invisible to pupils to discuss problems and exchange ideas and experiences
Challenges
Delay in time => set deadlines to ensure smooth communication flow)
Requires specific tasks and instructions to ensure interaction (i.e. that students react to each others’ posts: appreciate what was said in a post, add own comment, and maybe ask a new question)