Abstract

GONZALEZ MORENO, Rosa Isabel. The Role of Discussion Boards in a University Blended Learning Program. profile [online]. 2011, vol.13, n.1, pp.157-174. ISSN 1657-0790.

Discussion boards as tools in blended English language learning programs have unique characteristics when compared to other synchronous and asynchronous communication tools that are different. Therefore, it is important to investigate the way they operate, their role within a given program and the students', teachers' and tutors' attitudes towards them. This paper contains the report of a study that took place in an English virtual program of a public university in Colombia. Students' surveys and reflections, the tutor's and teachers' interviews and reflections were used to collect data. The results showed the main advantages and disadvantages of the use of the tool as well as ideas for new proposals to improve their use and, therefore, increase the students' performance in the program.

Keywords : ALEX Virtual English program; blended learning; discussion forums.

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