Electronic Discussion Sections: A Useful Tool in Teaching Large University Classes

Abstract

Electronic discussion sections can create a learning environment that will elicit quality student discussions in classes with large enrollment (i.e., 100 to 150 students). Redressing problems encountered during the first year using electronic discussions, I made changes such as establishing grading criteria for evaluating each student contribution to discussion, rules of etiquette, and discussion group size. The quality of intellectual discussions was better in Year 2 than in Year 1. There was no relation between initial computer phobia of students and their academic performance in classes requiring computer usage for electronic discussions. Data also revealed comparable quality of electronic discussions in a lower division, general education class as in an upper division class.