An Evaluative Case Studyof three different methods of onlinecommunication in a distance learning programme: Virginia Hubbard
1. An evaluative case study of three different methods of online
communication in a distance learning programme
Teaching and Research Awards 2008
University of London Centre for Distance Education www.cde.london.ac.uk and cde@london.ac.uk
Researcher
Dr Virginia Hubbard
Clinical Senior Lecturer
Institute of Cell and Molecular Science
Queen Mary University of London
v.g.hubbard@qmul.ac.uk
Communication method Why liked Why not liked
Individual synchronised focussed and immediate chat• ‘on the spot’•
Group synchronised more ideas discussed•
interaction with other students•
embarrassed in front of other•
students
difficult to arrange•
Discussion Board study at any time and pace• difficult to follow thread•
not updated by tutor•
Students changed preference of method with time
This study compares three forms of online
communication.
The cohort is eight doctors studying a
Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology.
Most students are based in Hong Kong
The data was collected by Questionnaire
and via Interviews using WimbaVoice® in
WebCT.
