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 An Objective Evaluation of Online Forum Usage amongst Prison Tutors in a Distance Learning EnvironmentAbstractThis paper reports on an objective analysis of a forum, known
as the Prison Tutors forum, to evaluate its usefulness and to
establish if it should continue to exist. Contributors to the forum
were distance learning practitioners tutoring students in prison
(prison tutors). The evaluation applies quantitative analysis
techniques to the forum log as well as qualitative analysis of the
forum content. Log analysis identified a high degree of
peripheral participation (lurking). Content analysis showed that
practitioners welcomed the creation of the forum and used it to
reflect on personal experiences. The practitioners both needed
help and guidance and offered help and guidance to each other.
The main concern was lack of internet access for prisoners. The
forum content highlighted the need for a mechanism to facilitate
communication within a Community of Practice. If the forum is
to continue as a useful mechanism, ways must be found to
encourage participants to move from a position of legitimate
peripheral participation to full participation.KeywordsTo see the electronic version of the paper, pleaseClick Here
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