An assessment of contributions to an on-line discussion forum in Accounting Theory

Steve Rowe, Lecturer, School of Commerce and Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore, 2480. Email: srowe@scu.edu.au

Peter Vitartas, Lecturer, School of Commerce and Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore, 2480. Email: pvitarta@scu.edu.au

Keywords

On-line Interaction, Assessment Choice, On-line Assessment, Gender, Discussion Forums.

Abstract

This paper presents results of an analysis of secondary data sources that examine the participation and effect of changes to assessment tasks over two subsequent offerings of a unit in accounting theory being studied as part of an undergraduate business degree at Southern Cross University. The results are compared to performance on the assessment tasks of assignments and end of semester examination results as well as gender. The paper also presents the results of the effect of relaxing assessment deadlines on when contributions are made throughout the semester. The findings contradict a number of other studies of on-line discussion forums. Findings and avenues for further research are discussed.