TY - GEN
T1 - A pilot investigation of the determinants and benefits of the discussion forum use in the E-learning context
AU - Al-Busaidi, Kamla Ali
PY - 2006
Y1 - 2006
N2 - The use of e-learning initiatives in the academic and training institutions has been increasing in last few years. International reports emphasized the importance to use information communication technology to build human resources. This pilot study qualitatively investigated the determinants and benefits of the students' use of the discussion forum in the e-learning context. Data was collected from students in an academic institution in Oman through a questionnaire. This study found that system's speed, ease of use and availability are the main technical determinants of the discussion forum use; whereas information quality, time, rewards, and instructor support are the main nontechnical determinants of the discussion forum use. In addition, the results suggested that students gain individual benefits from their use of the discussion forum; such of these benefits are expanding knowledge, sharing ideas, improved English language skills and improved communications with others.
AB - The use of e-learning initiatives in the academic and training institutions has been increasing in last few years. International reports emphasized the importance to use information communication technology to build human resources. This pilot study qualitatively investigated the determinants and benefits of the students' use of the discussion forum in the e-learning context. Data was collected from students in an academic institution in Oman through a questionnaire. This study found that system's speed, ease of use and availability are the main technical determinants of the discussion forum use; whereas information quality, time, rewards, and instructor support are the main nontechnical determinants of the discussion forum use. In addition, the results suggested that students gain individual benefits from their use of the discussion forum; such of these benefits are expanding knowledge, sharing ideas, improved English language skills and improved communications with others.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84905114350&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84905114350&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84905114350
SN - 9780975339367
T3 - Internet and Information Systems in the Digital Age Challenges and Solutions - Proceedings of the 7th International Business Information Management Association Conference, IBIMA 2006
SP - 283
EP - 288
BT - Internet and Information Systems in the Digital Age
PB - International Business Information Management Association, IBIMA
T2 - 7th International Business Information Management Association Conference, IBIMA 2006
Y2 - 14 December 2006 through 16 December 2006
ER -