However, participation is a much more conscious act compared to an email based vehicle like email discussion lists (listservs).  Participation also requires that users be online at the time and if you are paying for their online time this can be an inhibiting factor. On some webboards the user may start a new thread but it depends on how they have been configured.

Things to try:

1. Explore the web forum examples below and think about the advantages and disadvantages compared to email based discussion lists.

2. For what purposes do you think webboards might be a better tool than email lists for recording online discussion?

3. How effective do you think webboards would be as community building devices?

Web Forum Examples:

• NCIP views - uses a web forum as a general discussion area for a wide range of topics relating to technology and students with disabilities. With this forum, you can view without being required to log on.

• EdNA Forums -  EdNA has integrated web forums and chats available for Australian educators. You will need to register as a user in order to view and participate in chats.

• LearnScope Virtual Learning Community (VLC) - the VLC has several web forums established using the WebCT forum technology. Visit the VLC and choose "Community Hub" or click directly on the link to the forums. As with the EdNA forums, you will need to be a registered user to access the forums.