Students’ participation intention in an online discussion forum: Why is computer-mediated interaction attractive?

• Published in: Information & management Vol. 44; no. 5; pp. 456 - 466
• Main Authors: Yang, Xue, Li, Yan, Tan, Chuan-Hoo, Teo, Hock-Hai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.07.2007; Elsevier Science; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Collaborative learning; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Exact sciences and technology; General aspects; Information systems. Data bases; Interactive learning; Memory organisation. Data processing; Occupational training. Personnel. Work management; Online discussion forum; Online instruction; Participation; Social psychology; Software; Student participation; Studies; Teaching methods; Theory of reasoned action; Theory of reasoned action; Online discussion forum; Collaborative learning; Social psychology; Motivation; Intention; Conceptual analysis; Computer mediated communication; Remote teaching; Teaching
• ISSN: 0378-7206; 1872-7530
• DOI: 10.1016/j.im.2007.04.003

Anecdotal evidence indicates that an online discussion forum may not be utilized to its full potential in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching due to a lower than expected student participation rate. This paper seeks to identify the motivational behavioral factors influencing students’ intention to participate in an online discussion forums (ODF). Drawing on the literature on social psychology and applying the theory of reasoned action, we develop a conceptual model of intention to participate in an online discussion forum and empirically test the hypotheses in a cross-sectional quantitative survey. The findings indicate that expectancy on hedonic outcome and utilitarian outcome and peer pressure positively influence the participation intention of students. Also, the perceived importance of learning positively moderates the relationship between utilitarian outcome expectancy and participation intention. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.