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Abstract
A web conference “adds value by generating discussion among a diverse student group” (Skinner, Citation2004a, p. 12). Or does it? A significant concern is the extent to which learners construct knowledge and develop a learning community through online discussion. Critics argue that genuine knowledge construction is difficult to achieve. This study examines two potentially innovative discussion ideas and finds that a lack of trust damages the sense of community and activities will fail for some students if knowledge construction is left to chance. Risks can be reduced by careful design where the specific characteristics of community and knowledge construction are deliberately planned.
Acknowledgements
The idea for the Web-based role play came from a presentation made by Juliette Pavey at the GEES-LTSN seminar at the University of Birmingham, 18 November 2003 and written up in Pavey & Donaghue (Citation2003). Extensive support in teaching and assessing EL104 and stimulating discussion was provided by colleague James Derounian, University Teaching Fellow.
