Student Interactions in Online Discussion Forum: Empirical Research from ‘Media Richness Theory’ Perspective
M S Balaji
Diganta Chakrabarti
IBS Hyderabad, IFHE Universtiy, Hyderbad, India
Abstract
The present study contributes to the understanding of the effectiveness of online discussion forum in student learning. A conceptual model based on ‘theory of online learning’ and ‘media richness theory’ was proposed and empirically tested. We extend the current understanding of media richness theory to suggest that use of multiple media can enrich the communication context and perceived learning. Hierarchical regression was applied to investigate the relationships between antecedent factors, interaction and perceived learning. The results show that the perceived richness of online discussion forum has significant positive effect on student participation and interaction, and learning, when used along with traditional classroom lecture. Implications of these findings are discussed as they provide important guidelines for management educators.
About the Author(s)...
M S Balaji is an Assistant Professor at IBS Hyderabad, constituent of Icfai Foundation for Higher Education where he teaches courses in Marketing. His research interests include use of technology in management education, service process in education, case method pedagogy and evaluation rubrics. Balaji may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Diganta Chakrabarti is an Assistant Professor at IBS Hyderabad, constituent of Icfai Foundation for Higher Education. His research interests include use of computer assisted learning, students’ career choice decisions and case method pedagogy. He may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
