Wednesday, 13 December 2006

MODULE TWO- LISTS


I'm required to think about the pros and cons of email lists versus discussion boards?

To answer this one from a personal angle, I am not really all that comfortable in letting people I don't know see my email address on a 'list'. I prefer to remain within my 'comfort' zone within discussion groups such as the one I am using in this unit, and where everyone is more likely to be 'trustworthy'.

In saying that, I have decided to join a 'group' through 'Yahoo'in the botanical art field and follow it along for a while........... See separate post for that one.

For ease of reading I will list my comments relating to the 'pro's and con's of email lists versus discussion boards here, based on my recent experience within this unit.

EMAIL LISTS

Having a message delivered direct to my email box rather than having to plough my way through several posts in a discussion forum is more convenient and less time consuming. Email lists and public discussion forums are more likely to attract 'junk' and 'spam' emails and possibly contact from 'undesireable' people who may attempt take advantage of the naive by using bogus identities. Using an email list usually means one has to sign up and become an official member, whereas one can jump in and out of some public dicussions at random.

In a large group discussion forum, such as the one we are using in webCT for this unit, although I feel more comfortable anongst fellow students,it can be very frustrating and time consuming, particularly if the 'subject header' is not clear and in the right thread. It can be quite difficult to keep up with conversations. Discussion groups enable one to comment on a topic or answer a question 'instantly'or if preferred one can take time to think about the answer before 'posting'.

and to answer question 2 relating to whether there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other?

When you are invisible you can be who you want to be and I don't feel either system is particularly 100% 'safe and secure'. Both email and discussion groups can be a very social as well as educational tool for individuals to interract, and learn from each other, and I feel they can have a place when used in the right context. 'Chat' facilities such as 'ICQ' and 'MSN' are equally useful means of communication for those familiar with their functions, particularly for 'chatting' to friends and family across the world. It is a form of communication in which one can get 'instant' response which is a unique system we are very lucky to have in our world. I feel that all of the 'systems' mentioned can have a place provided they are used in the context they are meant for and moderation, as we need to take time out to 'smell the roses'from time to time and not be easily tied to a computer screen!

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