The design and implementation of a discussion forum module to function within the architectural constraints of an existing Open Source Software (OSS) learning management system (to meet target-user requirements)

Abstract

Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Peninsula Technikon,Cape Town, 2004

Higher education and online discussions are an integral part of collaboratively
 based e-Learning systems. However, there problems can be associated with
 current online discussion models. For example, it can be easy to set
 open-ended discussions which attract little participation and to assess
 contributions can be difficult or time-consuming. Students may not achieve the
 expected learning outcomes without proper structure and management in
 online discussions.
 This paper proposes to design and implement a discussion forum object to
 function within the architectural constraints of an existing Oss learning
 management system (to meet target user requirements) that is a web-based
 environment for online discussions where the facilitator can structure each
 discussion according to its nature and where learning requirements are using
 already designed templates.