Studying Online;Succeeding through Distance Learning at University

Using study forums 105 
have when being asked to contribute to a forum. Indeed, research-
ers in Norway and the Netherlands have found that the inhibition 
to take part in online forums is experienced by almost everyone 
(Sakariassen and Meijer, 2021). According to this research, there 
is a complex array of psychological reasons for non-participation. 
However, at the heart of our unwillingness to take part is worrying 
about what people might think of us. Te study also demonstrated 
that our self-identity is at risk if we take part in online discussions. 
Tis would suggest that people who don’t worry about what oth-
er people think of them and who are comfortable with their own 
identity are going to be the ones who take part fully in forums. 
You might not fall into the category of those comfortable people, 
so what can you do about it? 
One possible answer is to take part in a small way so that you 
can see that there is a positive reaction to your participation. Tis 
will reassure you that you are doing the right thing, and your self-
identity will therefore not be tarnished. You could, for example, 
try small comments with follow-up questions. For instance, if 
someone has made a reasonable contribution, you could say: 
“Tat’s interesting. Could you expand on it a little? I’d be inter-
ested to know more”. 
You will then get a reply providing more information. You may 
also get other people saying that they would also appreciate the 
additional material. Te result of this is a little boost to your con-
fdence and increased comfort with taking part in the discussion 
forum. 
Sometimes you will fnd that you are forced to take part in forums. 
Tey may form the basis for tutorials, for instance, where you will 
extend the discussion in a video conference call. At other times 
your participation will be compulsory because you are being as-
sessed. Even so, you may still feel inhibited and somewhat shy. 
Again, tentative steps at frst, contributing small comments will 
build your confdence and allow you to take a more active part 
later on. However, this means ensuring you know the timetable. 

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