Volume 8, Issue 3, March – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Comparing Online Discussion Forums to Traditional

In-Person Discussions
Sanket Pagadpalliwar Anjali Gupta
Student Student
Department of Information Technology Department of Information Technology
Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune
Pune, India Pune, India

Nikhil Wabale Sagar Bedre

Student Student
Department of Information Technology Department of Information Technology
Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune
Pune, India Pune, India

Supriya Gadekar
Professor
Department of Information Technology
Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune
Pune, India

Abstract:- The purpose of this research paper is to forums compared to traditional in-person discussions remains
compare an online discussion forum developed by us with debatable.
traditional in-person discussions. With the increasing
popularity of online communication tools, there is a This research paper compares the benefits and
growing need to compare the effectiveness of online drawbacks of an online discussion forum developed by us
discussion forums with traditional in-person discussions. with those of traditional in-person discussions. This online
This paper will describe the design and implementation of discussion forum was developed to provide a platform for
our online discussion forum and compare the benefits and collaboration and knowledge-sharing among individuals with
drawbacks of traditional in-person discussions. The study shared interests. We believe that the online discussion forum
will employ a mixed-methods approach, using has the potential to enhance communication and collaboration.
quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to But it is unclear how it compares to traditional in-person
explore the relative effectiveness of these two forms of discussions in terms of effectiveness.
communication. The paper will also examine the best
practices for implementing and managing online The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed
discussion forums and identify areas for further research. comparison of our online discussion forum with traditional in-
The results of this study will provide insights into how to person discussions. This study will examine the strengths and
effectively implement and manage online discussion limitations of both forms of communication and identify best
forums and inform decisions about which type of practices for implementing and managing online discussion
communication is best for specific situations. forums. By comparing quantitative and qualitative data
collection methods, this paper will offer insights into the
Keywords:- Online Discussion Forums, Collaboration, relative effectiveness of these two forms of communication.
Communication Effectiveness, In-Person Discussions, And The results of this study will inform decisions about which
Community Building. type of communication is best for specific situations and
guide how to effectively implement and manage online
I. INTRODUCTION discussion forums.

Online discussion forums have become increasingly II. CONCEPT

popular as a means of communication in a variety of contexts,
including education, business, and social networking. The rise This research paper compares the effectiveness of online
of digital communication tools has enabled people to connect discussion forums and in-person discussions in facilitating
and collaborate with others, regardless of geographical collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing. The study will
distance. However, the effectiveness of online discussion explore the advantages and disadvantages of each form of
communication and examine how they impact communication

IJISRT23MAR1853 www.ijisrt.com 2082

Volume 8, Issue 3, March – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
quality, participation rates, group dynamics, and the overall Specifically, it is suggested that in order to maximise
success of collaborative learning. The aim is to identify which the likelihood of more meaningful learning, face-to-face and
type of communication is best suited for specific contexts and online activities such as dis-cussions should be experienced
purposes and to provide guidance for educators, trainers, and by students in an integrated way, as two interconnected parts
facilitators who use these methods to facilitate group of the same learning experience. This study’s findings
discussions and collaborative learning. This study can provide consistently show through-out the study that by achieving an
valuable insights into how digital communication tools can be integrated vision at both levels (conceptions, and face-to-face
used most effectively for collaborative learning and and online approaches) better learning outcomes can be
knowledge-sharing by examining the benefits and drawbacks achieved. By focusing on designing courses which would
of each approach. help students in developing a better under-standing, first, of
what they learn, and second, of how they learn using face-to-
III. LITERATURE SURVEY face and online discussions, the overall quality of student
learning can be ensured.
They have difficulty in time management and have a
feeling of tiredness when they attend college in face-to-face Online discussion forum presents opportunities for
mode. The majority of them were not happy with the interactive learning, inquiry-based learning, and student
resumption of in-person classes and they wish to pursue the knowledge acquisition and creation. The Online discussion
online method of classes in the future. As this work is among forum presented in this study proved very effective in
the very few studies conducted in Saudi Arabia which interactive learning and communication among students and
examine students’ online versus offline learning, it provides their teachers. However, for online discussion forum to be
some information about teaching and learning preferences and more impactful, there is need for increased student and
perceptions. There is a further need for larger, multicentric, teacher participation to enhance greater productivity. Given
nationwide studies offering a deeper understanding of the the relative impact of ODF, teachers have to devote more time
state of student motivations, adaptations, coping mechanisms, to attend to student queries on the platform and also do more
and different learning needs during the ongoing pandemic. [1] to facilitate or coach discussions and interactions on the
forum. Student participation in the forum can be increased if
The findings of this study indicated that students were teachers can increase their presence and usage of the forum
not fully satisfied with their learning experience during this for class exercises such as assignment submissions, and
transition period. Many factors may have contributed to the attendance registering. Teacher’s response should be timely
results of this study. Instructors were not ready for this sudden and proactive to activate student interest in the forum. There is
change that required the use of a new platform and the design also need for proper coordination of the forum to ensure that
of alternate activities and delivery methods. Some users faced only relevant posts are allowed to avoid abuses and frivolities
technical and unforeseen difficulties while using the new that can bore or discourage member participation in the
platform including internet access issues and Zoom bombings. forum.[6]
Add to all of the above, equity and access issues.[2]
This paper reports on a study of the effectiveness of a
It was concluded that Offline learning is more focused, pedagogical approach that blends online discussion board and
less interrupted, more reliable, more interactive, and keeps case study. Analyzing quantity and quality of online postings
students attentive. Online learning may not be the same as and comparing accounting students' performance with
offline learning, but during the current situation of the Covid- previous cohort, this study observes a significant
19 pandemic, it provides benefits to the students, save their improvement in student learning. Appropriate design and
time and improve their academic performance. For these delivery strategies and clear assessment criteria for assessment
strategies to be successful, higher education institutions must and use have provided an effective learning vehicle for
collaborate among themselves, particularly in the form of students, helped them overcome their own language related
decentralization of educational teleconferences and allowing barriers, and encouraged them to participate in a
access to nearby institutions to ensure all students have access nonthreatening environment. This approach further
to a stable internet connection. Private entities can assist by complemented the benefits of peer-to-peer learning and case
providing the necessary facilities and the government study pedagogy. Reported increase in workload for students
providing the necessary support to enable teaching and and marking load for academics and measuring the value of
learning to take place effectively and without disruption.[3] learning, however, are some of the challenges that need
further attention by researchers.[7]
We have discussed the opportunities and challenges of
online and offline education. It is not possible to identify the IV. PROBLEM STATEMENT
better alternative of the two because each one has got distinct
advantages and disadvantages the other. Traditional With the increasing popularity of online discussion
educational systems through offline-based face-to-face forums, there is a growing need to understand how effective
classrooms cannot be replaced. Online education is good for they are in comparison to traditional in-person discussions,
specific courses and can act as a supplement to the education particularly for collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing.
process to make it more interactive and interesting.[4] While both forms of communication have advantages and
disadvantages, it is not clear which type of communication is
best suited for specific situations and purposes. Therefore,

IJISRT23MAR1853 www.ijisrt.com 2083

Volume 8, Issue 3, March – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
there is a need to compare the effectiveness of online VI. RESULTS
discussion forums and in-person discussions to make
informed decisions about which type of communication to use
in different contexts. This study aims to address this gap by Learning method you want to 28.3
comparing the benefits and drawbacks of online discussion continue in future 71.7
forums and in-person discussions for communication,
collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. Method helps you in learning 31.7
more 68.3
V. METHODOLOGY Method helps you getting high 16.7
scores in exams 83.3
We conducted a comprehensive review of literature and
research papers on online discussion forums and traditional 14.2
Learning method you like most 85.8
in-person discussions to compare their effectiveness in
promoting communication and knowledge sharing. We
Learning method satisfied you 16.7
searched the IEEE academic database using specific
more 83.3
keywords related to our research topic. We also used a
snowballing approach by examining the reference lists of
relevant papers to identify additional sources. Offline Online

We identified 7 papers that met our inclusion criteria Fig 1 Students’ perceptions regarding teaching/learning
and provided valuable insights into the comparison between methods and their impact
online discussion forums and traditional in-person
discussions. We assessed the quality of the papers based on Variables Frequency Percentage
their relevance, credibility, and methodological rigor. The Learning method has difficulty in time management
papers covered different types of discussions such as Online 228 47.5
academic, professional, and social and used various platforms Offline 252 52.5
such as forums, social media, and face-to-face meetings. Learning method has difficulty in concentration
Online 204 42.5
To compare the results from the literature, we used a Offline 276 57.5
qualitative approach by analyzing the key findings, themes, Learning method makes you more comfortable for gaining
and recommendations from each paper. We also used a knowledge
thematic analysis technique to categorize the results into Online 340 70.8
common themes and sub-themes. We synthesized the results Offline 140 29.2
to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each type of Learning method keeps you more alert
discussion and to determine the factors that influence their
Online 284 59.2
effectiveness.
Offline 196 40.8
Learning method satisfies you more
Finally, we critically evaluated the limitations of our
methodology, such as the potential bias and subjectivity in Online 400 83.3
selecting and interpreting the papers and the generalizability Offline 80 16.7
of the results to other contexts. We also suggested future Learning method you like most
research directions to address the gaps and inconsistencies in Online 412 85.8
the existing literature. Offline 68 14.2
The method helps you obtain high scores in exams
Online 400 83.3
Offline 80 16.7
The method helps you in learning more
Online 328 68.3
Offline 152 31.7
Learning method you want to continue in future
Online 344 71.7
Offline 136 28.3
Difficulty in getting a driver to reach to the college
Online 220 45.8
Offline 260 54.2
Learning method keeps you more physically active
Online 208 43.3
Offline 272 56.7
Table 1. Students’ perceptions regarding teaching/learning
methods and their impact (n = 480) [1]

IJISRT23MAR1853 www.ijisrt.com 2084

Volume 8, Issue 3, March – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
The study indicates that online discussion forums offer FUTURE SCOPE
several advantages over traditional in-person discussions,
including greater flexibility, anonymity, and the ability to For the effectiveness of online discussion forums and
incorporate multimedia content. However, traditional in- in-person discussions for collaborative learning and
person discussions have advantages regarding accountability knowledge-sharing, there are still several areas that require
and the richness of nonverbal communication. Ultimately, the further research.
choice between the two formats depends on the specific goals
and needs of the discussion and the participants involved. Firstly, future studies could investigate the use of
different communication tools and platforms in facilitating
VII. DISCUSSIONS online discussions. For instance, social media, instant
messaging, and video conferencing could be implemented in
The study indicates differences between online future updates for better communication.
discussion forums and traditional in-person discussions
regarding participation levels, interaction dynamics, and Secondly, more research is needed to explore the impact
information retention. Our analysis suggests that while online of cultural and language differences on communication and
forums offer greater flexibility and convenience, they may collaboration in online discussion forums. Cultural
also result in lower levels of engagement and a tendency for differences and language barriers may affect communication
participants to focus more on superficial, surface-level quality and impact group dynamics, and it is important to
interactions. In contrast, traditional in-person discussions understand how to effectively navigate these issues in a
tend to foster more deep and meaningful conversations virtual environment.
limited by factors such as time constraints and physical
location. Thirdly, the role of moderators in online discussions
could be further explored, including their impact on
Despite these differences, it is crucial to note that both participation rates, group dynamics, and the quality of
online discussion forums and traditional in-person communication. Understanding the role of moderators and
discussions have their respective strengths and weaknesses. how to effectively moderate online discussions is crucial for
Our study highlights the need for a more nuanced and creating a successful online community.
context-dependent approach to understanding the role of
discussion forums in modern communication. Future research Overall, continued research in this field can provide
could explore how these different modes of communication valuable insights into the effectiveness of digital
can be effectively integrated and optimized for maximum communication tools and inform the development of best
impact. practices for collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing.

Overall, this study contributes to a growing body of ACKNOWLEDGMENT

literature focused on understanding the dynamics of online
communication and how it compares to traditional face-to- The valuable contributions of parents, teachers, project
face communication. We hope our findings will inform guides, and the Department of Information Technology at
educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders as they seek Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune, have made this
to leverage the power of digital communication tools to research paper possible, and we express our sincere gratitude
facilitate meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing. to them.

VIII. CONCLUSION REFERENCES

In conclusion, this research paper has compared the [1]. Riaz, Fatima & Mahmood, Syed Esam & begum,
benefits and drawbacks of online discussion forums with Tehmina & Ahmad, Mohammad & Shaikh, Ayoub &
those of traditional in-person discussions, particularly in Ahmad, Ausaf & Shati, Ayed & Khan, Mohammad.
terms of their effectiveness for collaborative learning and (2023). Students’ Preferences and Perceptions
knowledge-sharing. The study found that while both forms of Regarding Online versus Offline Teaching and Learning
communication have their advantages, online discussion Post-COVID-19 Lockdown. Sustainability. 15.
forums have the potential to enhance communication and 10.3390/su15032362.
collaboration among individuals with shared interests, [2]. Serhan, D. (2020). Transitioning from face-to-face to
especially in situations where distance or time constraints are remote learning: Students’ attitudes and perceptions of
a factor. using Zoom during COVID-19 pandemic. International
Journal of Technology in Education and Science
However, it is important to note that online discussion (IJTES), 4(4), 335-342.
forums also have some limitations, such as the potential for [3]. Amin, Ms & Malla, Adil & Mohammad, Mr & Dar,
decreased social presence and lack of non-verbal cues, which Mohammad & Rasool, Insha & Yousuf, Rumysa.
may impact the quality of communication and collaboration. (2022). Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Online
Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the context & Offline Learning among Higher Education Students
and purpose of the communication when deciding which type in Kashmir.
of communication to use.

IJISRT23MAR1853 www.ijisrt.com 2085

Volume 8, Issue 3, March – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
[4]. Biswas, Debasish & Dey, Chanchal. (2020). Offline vs.
Online Education: Opportunities and Challenges in
Indian context.
[5]. Bliuc, Ana-Maria & Ellis, Robert & Goodyear, Peter &
Piggott, Leanne. (2010). Learning through face‐to‐face
and online discussions: Associations between students'
conceptions, approaches and academic performance in
political science. British Journal of Educational
Technology. 41. 512 - 524. 10.1111/j.1467-
8535.2009.00966.x.
[6]. Onyema, Edeh & Deborah, Edeh & Alsayed, Alhuseen
& Quadri, Noorulhasan Naveed & Sanober, Sumaya.
(2019). Online Discussion Forum as a Tool for
Interactive Learning and Communication. International
Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering. 8.
4852-4859. 10.35940/ijrte.D8062.118419.
[7]. Seethamraju, Ravi. (2014). Effectiveness of Using
Online Discussion Forum for Case Study Analysis.
Education Research International. 2014.
10.1155/2014/589860

IJISRT23MAR1853 www.ijisrt.com 2086