HKIER

Abstract

This study analyzed two cases, totaling 56 messages, from the math board, an independent academic discussion forum in a Bulletin Board System (BBS) Website. A new coding framework was introduced and employed to do content analysis of the messages of the two cases. With this framework, five key variables were examined: (1) cited times, (2) cognitive skills, (3) evaluation, (4) invitational form, and (5) social cues. Transcript content analyses showed that the messages structures of the two cases were coherent but fragile. Participants were more likely to respond to the latest messages in the discussion. Also, they were likely to both post and respond to critical messages and messages with personal idea. But they seldom posted questions to invite answers. Lastly, participants were not likely to develop informal conversation with others during the discussion.

Keywords: online discussion; BBS; academic forum

摘要

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