Having used discussion forums informally (here) and formally (for the online grad courses I'm taking), I am curious about others' perceptions of efficacy of this tool.

I wonder particularly about the impact when moderators lock threads because opinions get strong/heated. To me, that's what makes a discussion interesting (as long as it doesn't cross into non-sequitor personal attacks).

I also wonder about the efficacy of informal situations such as this forum where participation is completely voluntary and many merely lurk, few return to follow up on questions they've asked (to share what they ended up doing and what they learned from it), and those who do post regularly are few and far between.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LoveLearning,

The efficacy of online forums is completely dependent on the community they're intended to benefit. Some forums are wildly popular and informative (some of my favorites are at broadbandreports.com). Others just never see the traffic.

In some cases, active participation by the sponsors helps, sometimes it doesn't. I think having forums available is a good thing. I think having the sponsors take an active roll is even better. But there's no guarantee forums will actually be used and useful.


Finding a couple personalities who can visit regularly for solid answers or even controversial positions sure seems to help though ;-)
CM

LoveLearning,
I think this is a bit of a learning styles issue. I learn a great deal through the discussion process. Generally, for me, a topic is a good starting point and as long as the discussion eventually winds back there, offshoots can be good and learning-filled. Clearly not everyone agrees. I have even found difficulty in introducing live discussions in ILT events because the "powers that be" did not see the value.

Some people learn better by listening or, as we call it in this context, lurking. Cool: that's their way.

Some people, though, may want to participate and learn through the engagement, but be intimidated by strong opinions of others. Or they may not feel "up to the level" of those with decades of experience or a long list of books to their names, or whatever experience criteria they see. For them we need to 1) have an area of the board where experienced participants are especially gentle and helpful, not judgmental; 2) moderators to ensure the rules of 1) are observed. Of course, that means that other areas need to be understood to be for all participants and it is "fair game" to say, "I respectfully disagree" and to explore "side topics" without the fear of reprisal.

One thing ASTD could to do help this matter would be to create a section called "Advanced training" or something that conveys the meaning that it is for general training discussion, but is not a fundamentals (newbie) area.

I have seen this type of technique work in the techie areas and I believe it could work well here and in other fora.